Behind the namesake of Hays Tractor and Equipment is Sheila Hays Massey, a Newton County native who acquired the family business with her husband in 2011. Since becoming its sole owner, Massey has kept the business alive despite facing adversity – making a name for herself after following in the footsteps of her father.

“The absolute favorite thing about owning an equipment dealership is that we get to help make other people’s dreams become realities,” Massey said. “ Whether it is their livelihood or just a weekend hobby, it is great to see someone find what they need and turn it into something they enjoy. Being able to do this as a female owned business in a male dominated environment makes the success even sweeter.”

Since 1951, Hays Tractor and Equipment has operated as a family owned business, selling “farm tractors, implements, utility vehicles and turf equipment.”

Growing up watching her father operate Hays Tractor and Equipment, Massey aspired to someday become a business owner, herself.

After graduating from Newton County High School in 1988, Massey worked at a local bank.  Following the birth of her first son, Massey worked from home as a bookkeeper, but eventually flocked to her family’s business.

“I had always said I could not work for my daddy because we were so much alike – a stubborn streak a mile wide,” Massey said. “However, those were the best years of my life working with him and learning the business and it was then that I knew I wanted to carry on the heritage and bring my sons up the same way.”

Massey’s hardwork and success since owning the business over a decade ago has not come without a cost.

In February 2017, the executive team of Kubota visited Massey and told her that the business’ location in Mansfield was not meeting their vision.

One month later, Massey received the “dreaded letter” informing her that she had 60 days to make a decision to relocate up to standards set by Kubota. 

Massey turned to prayer – a method she considers as “the right way to make decisions.”

On April 3, 2017, Massey’s prayers were answered in the “form of a storm that destroyed the existing building” with no injuries or damage to equipment. 

Six years after relocating five miles up the road to Social Circle, Hays Tractor and Equipment is “doing great,” bringing more achievements to the over 70-year-old business.

Massey was nominated by regional Kubota dealers to serve on the Dealer Advisory Board for the southeast division for a three year term. Now, she serves as president of the board.

Throughout the unforeseen hardships and challenges, Massey’s ties to her community have strengthened.

“Going back to the damage we had in 2017, I realized that there is still a love of community as we saw in the outpouring of love and caring that our friends and neighbors gave to us,” Massey said. “I do my best to return the favor to those in need in our community as well.”