AKRS Equipment, Nebraska’s leading John Deere dealership with 27 stores, has joined forces with TeamMates as a corporate partner. This collaboration aims to provide mentorship opportunities to young people across the state.

AKRS began its partnership with TeamMates in late 2023, with five employees already actively mentoring students. Recognizing the positive impact mentorship can have on young lives, AKRS embarked on a company-wide initiative to encourage more employees to become mentors.

Through a series of presentations to over 100 employees this past summer at six AKRS locations, AKRS highlighted the benefits of mentorship for both mentors and mentees. The dealership emphasized the positive impact mentors can have on young people’s lives, helping them develop essential skills, build confidence, and achieve their goals.

With a strong presence across Nebraska, AKRS was able to offer mentorship opportunities to a wide range of communities, including smaller areas that may have struggled to find volunteers. To incentivize employees to become mentors, AKRS provided cobranded polo shirts and paid time off for mentoring appointments.

The response to AKRS’s mentorship initiative was overwhelming. Following the presentations, 30 employees have become mentors with several other employees in pending status.

AKRS plans to continue promoting the value of the TeamMates programs to its employees and other businesses in the community. The goal is to reach 100 mentors by 2025, further expanding the reach of mentorship opportunities across Nebraska.

By partnering with TeamMates, AKRS is making a significant contribution to the development of young people in the state. Through mentorship, these young individuals are gaining valuable skills, building positive relationships, and laying the foundation for a successful future.