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As he reflects on his family's business, now overseen by a sixth generation, Derek Rechberger can't help but marvel not only at its longevity but at the perseverance and innovation shown by the ancestors who came before him. "It's amazing that they were able to stay ahead and take a chance," said Rechberger, who helps his 78-year-old grandfather Mike Kelly operate Kelly's Garage, a former Allis-Chalmers dealership near Perry, N.Y. Kelly's Garage is one of just a few single-store family AGCO dealerships remaining in New York. They also carry many short lines such as Versatile, Pottinger, Kuhn-Knight, Great Plains, Wacker-Neuson and Ferris. "The business continues to thrive because of the way that many other dealer structures have changed in our area," Rechberger said. "Corporate multistore locations do not have the best track record for stocking parts and having reliable service; that has always been our priority and strong point." In a display of faith that the business, which began in the late-1800s as a blacksmith shop, will sustain future generations, Mike built a new, larger dealership building in 2000 at the same site on which they started. "A lot of people in his position at that age would have said 'I'm kind of going to ride this thing out,'" Rechberger said, "but he took a leap of faith and really took it to the next level." Three years ago, they added a large storage building as they continue to outgrow their facilities and equipment has gotten larger. Other family members working at Kelly's Garage include Rechberger's grandmother Glenda, who keeps the books; his mom Karen and aunt Michelle, who work in parts; and a cousin Ty and uncle Mark in the shop, as well as four other non-family members in various roles Rechberger handles sales and trucking. Earlier this year, they hired two more people to assist in parts and the shop. Kelly's Garage began humbly more than a century ago. Along with blacksmithing, Rechberger's ancestors had a woodworking facility where they constructed ladders and equipment for local orchards. They offered wagon repair services and had an apple cider facility. Around 1905, his great-great-grandfather Lloyd added some of the region's first oxy acetylene and electric welding services. "That was cutting-edge technology at that time," Rechberger said. With automobiles beginning to catch on, a Buick car franchise was added, and Rechberger said they still have the first one they sold. He said these were a tough sell at the time as they were more costly than others Adaptability, service focus have seen N.Y. family dealership … Through the generations By Old Allis News staff Samuel Easton Kelly, left, started the business, which included a cider mill and auto livery, left. A Gleaner Centennial S97 was parked in front of Kelly's, at left. 34 OLD ALLIS NEWS