After restoring John Deere tractors for 38 years, Dan Peterman has plenty of experience applying decals. That and his long-time friendship and business relationship with Travis Jorde made it natural for Peterman to purchase and take ownership of Jorde Decals in February 2024. Jorde started the business in 1976 and retired at 86.
As a restorer and owner of the business, Peterman appreciates Jorde’s extensive research to match the correct decals for each John Deere model and year through 1975. Most customers, whether in business as restorers or hobbyists, need complete sets. The older tractors typically have five or six decals, while newer models may have eight to 10 decals.
“I have diagrams for placing them, if people ask, for many models,” Peterman says. As a restorer, he’s well-qualified to answer customers’ questions. Sets range from $50 to $275. He also takes orders for individual decals.
“Many years ago, they were mylar, but now they’re vinyl decals which look more authentic and high quality,” Peterman says. He has them printed at a couple of businesses and keeps plenty of inventory on hand.
After securing licensing from the company, he only sells John Deere decals. He says there’s always a demand for style A and B tractors and 4020 series models.
“The most unique decals are for early industrial models. I can do equipment motors, plows, whatever original equipment John Deere had,” Peterman says, adding he’s not licensed for garden tractors, pedal tractors or models.
“In the next few years, I’m hoping to branch into new models (beyond 1975),” he says. Customers find him in magazine ads, at some farm equipment shows and on social media.
He greatly respects Jorde and the business he started and feels the responsibility of filling “pretty big shoes.”
It’s a family business, and Peterman gets help from his wife and mother-in-law with billing, packaging and shipping.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jorde Decals, 1057 180th St. Webster City, Iowa 50595 (ph 515-571-1027; Jordedecals1837@gmail.com; Facebook: Jorde Decals).