Garrett Bonsell
Garrett Bonsell studied mechanical engineering at the Ohio State University, and he studied the law at the University of Dayton.
He spent four summers as an engineering intern at Deere & Company's Product Engineering Center in Waterloo, Iowa. During those summers, he rotated from the drivetrain design team, to the drivetrain test team, to the operator station design team, and finally to the strategic standards team. Thereafter, he spent two summers as a legal intern at Deere & Company's World Headquarters in Moline, Illinois. He joined Deere & Company as an attorney in 2009, and for over a decade, he handled intellectual property matters related to a variety of products, including drivetrains, engines, and large tractors. During this time, he counseled engineers, wrote patent applications, drafted contracts, and managed outside counsel. In his current position, he handles tractor litigation matters throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Garrett is the founder of BONSELL | AMERICANA, which buys, sells, and conserves 19th century flags and political textiles. He is also the owner of BONSELL | CATTLE. Its Illinois based operation focuses on dialing in steers and heifers for shows across the Midwest, while its Ohio based operation, founded in 1829 by Garrett's ancestors, focuses on raising cattle, baling hay, and tending to the land. The original home, at the Ohio location, was built in 1834 and was part of the Underground Railroad.
Garrett is on the Board of Directors for Prairie State Legal Services.
Outside of work, his interests include following Formula 1 Racing, attending NBA basketball games, and reading about American history.
“I have a deep passion for the cattle industry that has been instilled in me since I was a young boy. I love nothing more than watching our clients thrive and excel in the show ring, and seeing the satisfaction and joy it brings them. It's not just a business for me, it's a way of life.”
— Garrett Bonsell
Heather Bonsell
Heather Bonsell was raised on a family farm in Farina, Illinois, which was founded by her ancestors in the early 1900s. Her family raises corn, soybeans, hogs, and children. Ever since she can remember, she has been raising livestock, showing livestock, and helping to manage the family farm.
Heather studied Agri-Accounting at the University of Illinois.
Her career began, in 2008, as an accounting intern at Deere & Company's Davenport Works, where she documented accounting procedures and tested internal controls. She met Garrett Bonsell during this summer, who at the time, was a fellow intern. After she graduated, she joined the company—this time officially—as an accountant, at Deere & Company's World Headquarters in Moline, Illinois. She has held various roles of increasing responsibility, including roles as a general ledger accountant, an international consolidations accountant, an international tax manager, and a transfer pricing manager.
She is a founder of BONSELL | AMERICANA, which buys, sells, and conserves 19th century flags and political textiles. She is also the owner of BONSELL | CATTLE. Its Illinois based operation focuses on dialing in steers and heifers for shows across the Midwest, while its Ohio based operation, founded in 1829 by Garrett's ancestors, focuses on raising cattle, baling hay, and tending to the land.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys gardening, so much so that she studied and became an Illinois Master Gardener. She also has an insatiable thirst for cowboy boots, ripped jeans, and western fashion generally, all of which she enjoys sporting during Colorado getaways or anywhere, for that matter.
“Show cattle are not just animals, they are the embodiment of our passion, dedication, and love for the industry. With hard work, perseverance, and a deep understanding, we can achieve greatness in the show ring and beyond.”
— Heather Bonsell