[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3202-S3203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING HUFFMAN'S FARM & HOME

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an 
outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Huffman's Farm & Home of Fort Madison, IA, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  In 2002, Bob Huffman and his brothers Mike and Hank founded Huffman's 
Farm & Home after gaining experience at their father's successful 
business

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Huffman's Welding & Machine, which the Huffman family has kept running 
for more than 50 years. While working there, the brothers saw an 
opportunity to expand into the retail industry when clients and 
contractors not only picked up their finished products but also 
purchased tools and other small offerings. The business was built and 
centered around providing families and farmers with great products and 
customer service. Designed as a one-stop shop, Huffman's Farm & Home 
offers an extensive selection of brand-name items, from mowers and toys 
to feeders and electrical repair tools. The business is also pet 
friendly and even serves Iowa popcorn to its customers while they shop.
  Over the years, Huffman's Farm & Home has steadily expanded its 
customer base, store locations, and physical footprint. In 2004, the 
business renovated and expanded the store from its original 10,000 
square feet to more than 20,000 square feet. Today, the operation spans 
more than 30,000 square feet. In 2008, the Huffman family opened a 
second location in West Burlington, IA, and in 2016, they opened a 
third location in Aledo, IL. In addition to its wide selection of in-
store products, Huffman's Farm & Home offers personalized customization 
options by allowing customers to place special orders. The team works 
closely with vendors to provide custom items tailored to each client's 
specific needs. Huffman's Farm & Home has grown to over 60 employees 
across its three locations. Additionally, Bob's nephew Jason Huffman 
joined the business after graduating with his degree in engineering. 
Today, he serves as vice president and manages many aspects of the 
manufacturing division, as well as project management and assessment.
  Huffman's Farm & Home and the entire Huffman family are actively 
involved with the Fort Madison community. The Huffmans have generously 
supported the revitalization of Southeast Iowa's vocational school 
programs. The business is a member of the Fort Madison Chamber of 
Commerce where both Jason and Bob served on the board of directors, and 
Bob also served a term as president. Additionally, Bob is the president 
of the Fort Madison Economic Development Board. He is also on the Fort 
Madison Football Board of Directors and served as the chairman of the 
Tri-State Rodeo Committee. Jason is a member of the Southeast Iowa 
Community College Machining Advisory Committee and the Fort Madison 
Airport Commission. In 2010, Huffman's Farm & Home received the 
Distinction Award from the Greater Burlington Partnership for their 
involvement in community events and initiatives. In 2019, the Fort 
Madison Chamber nominated Bob for the Chamber of Commerce's Ambassador 
of the Year. Later this year, Huffman's Farm & Home will celebrate its 
23rd anniversary.
  I want to congratulate the Huffman family and the entire team for 
their dedication and support towards their community and for providing 
vital products and tools to families and farmers across Iowa and the 
Midwest. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and 
success.

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