In 1945, Ross and his wife Zelma became a farm machinery dealer for International Harvester with a small shop on the main street in Sunderland, Ontario. Always looking to the future and with a strong work ethic, he soon moved to a larger shop in 1947, then in 1950 built a new home with a larger shop on highway 12 in Sunderland.
Ross and Zelma had 2 sons Merlyn and Larry. Merlyn worked with Ross from 1959 till 1960. Merlyn enjoyed farming more then farm equipment, and in 1960 Merlyn and his wife Frances purchased a 100 acre dairy farm on the 13th concession of Brock. With some land purchases and expansion Merlyn and Frances and their sons and grandson still operate a successful dairy farm today.
Ross with hard work and help from his staff has had many accomplishments over the years. In 1955 he won the Three Star award for sales of IH Tractors, Balers and Combines. In 1977 he sold the first Axial Flow Combine in Canada. In 1998 Ross Doble Inc. was the first dealer in Ontario to sell 3 of the new C series tractors, which won them a trip to the factory in England to meet with the V.P. of production. In 2001 Ross Doble Inc. won a trip to Japan, to tour Kubota’s manufacturing facilities and parts distribution warehouse.
Ross’s son, Larry worked at the dealership through high school and university on weekends and summers selling parts and delivering equipment. In 1978 after graduating from Wilfred Laurier University with a degree in business Larry started on a full time basis. Larry and his wife Barb took ownership of Ross Doble Inc. in 1980. Larry with Ross’s same work ethic and visionary business sense built a new 15000 sq ft state of the art dealership that is still serves as a blueprint for new dealers today.
Ross loved the equipment business and remained active in the dealership into the early 2000’s. He was still delivering large tractors and equipment when he was over 80 years old. Ross passed away March 25, 2003 after a long battle with cancer.
Larry and Barb have three children Michelle, Karen, and Gary. Michelle, Karen and Gary all have successful careers outside of the dealership.
2013 has brought many changes to Ross Doble Inc. We have hired new staff plus had promotions from within. We will continue to carry a full line of top quality equipment for your agricultural needs, while focusing on providing the best parts and service possible. Still looking to the future, Jody Howe is now responsible for the operations of Ross Doble Inc. while Larry and Barb Doble are still the proud owners.
