Careers at Great Northern Equipment Distributing

GNE is a place for diverse teams to connect, grow, have fun, and make an impact. Apply today to join our team.

About Us

Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. ("GNE") is a leading B2B distributor and manufacturer of top-quality power equipment, job tools, Honda engines, and parts. Since we started in 1983, our goal has always been to understand our customer's business and develop a complete product and support solution that delivers exactly what you need.

GNE’s commitment to excellence, experienced and dedicated staff, quality products and affordable and competitive prices reinforce our position as a leader in our industry.

Building a Legacy

Established over 40 years ago, Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. beginnings were in a small building in Nisswa, MN.

Our base business started with Honda engine sales and expanded to incorporate commercial quality power equipment lines. Now based in Rogers, MN, GNE has grown to become Honda's largest Engine Distributor in the United States. In addition, we distribute over 50 lines of commercial quality power equipment and parts to the Rental and Reseller markets.

Community Partnership

GNE provides the opportunity for employees to demonstrate participation through community engagement activities that are meaningful and purposeful and help those in need.

At the same time, GNE recognizes that participating in these activities will also enrich and inspire the lives of our employees. The purpose of GNE’s volunteer program is to:

Support volunteer activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work
Support communities that are impacted by disasters
Address issues that impact quality of life

All regular, full-time employees can volunteer for up to 8 hours (1 day) per calendar year with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. More than one organization may be chosen. Employees will be paid at their normal pay rate for the volunteer hours.

Our Culture

Cycling Group: A group of GNE employees regularly participates in cycling activities through the summer months.

Walking Group: Daily, you’ll find many GNE employees taking a break to enjoy a walk around the facilities.

Holiday and Seasonal Events: Summer Social, Halloween Costume Contest, and Annual Christmas party.

Team-Building Events: Chili Cook-off, Golf Putt-Putt Contest, Football Toss Contest, and Monthly Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations.

Charity Events: Holiday gift/toy drop-off

Awards & Recognition

Honda Environmental Leadership Award

The Honda Environmental Leadership Program is a voluntary program designed to help Honda distributors realize operational cost savings and recognition as environmental leaders in their community. Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. has implemented noteworthy energy and environmental best practices in our facilities, which has now been recognized as deserving of the Silver Environmental Leadership Program award.

Do it Best Award

Great Northern Equipment is a proud multi-year recipient of the Do it Best- Rental Vendor of the Year Award. Our outstanding customer service and a large selection of in-stock inventory set us apart from industry competitors and allow us to be recognized as the top tier of all Do it Best Rental Vendors.

True Value Rental Award

Great Northern Equipment is a proud True Value Rental Vendor of the Year Award recipient. Our outstanding customer service and a large selection of in-stock inventory set us apart from industry competitors and allow us to be recognized as the top tier of all True Value Rental Vendors.

Rental Association's Leadership Impact Award

Great Northern Equipment's National Account Manager was presented with the Rental Association's (ARA) Leadership Impact Award for Region Six. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership benefited their state and local association and its members over the past year.

Benefits

THE FUN STUFF

At Great Northern Equipment, you’ll find us celebrating our success through cookouts, celebratory games, team lunches, recognition programs and more! Be sure to ask about our Employee Engagement Team to learn more about our unique events!

Oh, and we think growth and development is fun as well. We offer tuition reimbursement, stretch assignments, and leadership development along our journey.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

To help you be your best, healthiest, fittest, happiest self, we offer a variety of health and wellness offerings. THRIVE provides you with tools and resources you can use to improve and maintain your overall well-being. From financial wellness to emotional wellness, to physical wellness, we’ve got something for you to engage in. Our goal is to support you on your well-being journey to be at your best.

Employees are eligible for our comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans. We also offer company paid life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and a dedicated Nurse Advocate. A selection of additional voluntary benefits are also available to choose from. In addition, we offer On-Demand pay, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and more.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS

GNE’s 401(k) retirement plan is designed to help you prepare for retirement and attain your financial goals.

All GNE employees age 18 and above are eligible to participate in the 401(k) retirement plan on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees are eligible to receive matching contributions effective on the first day of the month following 90 days employment.

WORK / LIFE INTEGRATION

As a family-owned business, we know there are a lot of competing priorities in your life. We respect that and strive for flexibility in how we achieve our goals, together.

We offer a generous PTO plan within a variety of work environments based on position. Plus, we offer an exclusive employee discount on everything we sell.

Testimonials

Dan Lehan

GNE is a great company that encourages the growth and development of its employees. I have been employed at GNE for 13 years and have developed through various roles/departments from Shipping and Receiving, Inside Sales/Customer Service to Purchasing. I’m grateful to be part of a positive culture rich in mentorship and opportunities to challenge myself and grow professionally.

Brandon Gehring

GNE is a growing company that still has the small company feel.  The open-door policy and willingness to listen to anyone in the company is something only experienced here.  The way they help guide, grow and mentor their employees is another point that sets GNE apart from the rest.  Three words, Mini. Golf. Tournament.  GNE events are the best and really help bring the organization together.

Brandon Johnson

Throughout my tenure with Great Northern Equipment, I have had the opportunity to work in both the sales department and the IT department. I have been an Inside Sales Representative (Power Team), Inside Sales Lead, Inside Sales Manager, and now a Data Quality Analyst. The one thing I like most about GNE is their willingness and drive to hire from within for open opportunities. Another great thing about GNE is that we are a smaller company, so there are opportunities to learn about tasks and responsibilities in another department, which can help future development as you know the pain points for each department. 

Jennifer George

GNE is a great company that values its employees' professional development and growth. The positive future business outlook and strategic goals empower employees to succeed in both day-to-day and long-term business wins. Employee engagement events and milestone celebrations are also a core focus at GNE, reflecting the value of a collaborative and supportive workplace culture. 

Jenny Harper

I genuinely enjoy working for GNE, its is a fast paced environment that continues to grow and provides opportunities for growth to the employees. I have worked in this industry for many years and in the few years I have been with GNE they have offered me more opportunities to grow and show my talents than I have experienced elsewhere. It’s a positive, fast paced, fun environment to work in with some great people.