Her Story
About Emmy
Emmy Murphy currently serves as Parts Lead at Van Wall Equipment, a John Deere dealership based in Iowa, where she has built her career since 2022. Prior to stepping into a leadership role, Murphy spent three years as a parts specialist at the dealership, having been recruited to the position through Indeed. In May 2025, her dedication and expertise earned her a promotion to Parts Lead, a role she continues to hold today. Before entering the agricultural equipment industry, Murphy gained diverse professional experience through a customer service position at a call center for Pella Corporation, a stint as a junior grain accountant, and eight months managing the taproom at Peace Tree Brewing Company. This varied background shaped her strong communication skills and adaptability, both of which continue to serve her well in her current position. A 2016 graduate of Knoxville High School, Murphy went on to spend a year at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) before beginning her professional journey. She later furthered her industry knowledge by completing coursework through John Deere University, ultimately earning her Level 1 certification and establishing herself as a certified parts professional. In her role at Van Wall, Murphy works closely with both farmers and homeowners, prioritizing efficient, one-visit solutions to equipment repair needs. Her upbringing in Iowa's agricultural community gives her a natural understanding of farming operations, allowing her to connect meaningfully with customers while helping them source parts and troubleshoot machinery. She is also an active member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, reflecting her ongoing commitment to the agricultural sector beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. Known for forming lasting relationships with her customers, many of whom seek her out by name, Murphy credits much of her professional success to the trust she has built with the farmers she serves, particularly during the demanding planting and harvest seasons. She approaches her work with a steadfast commitment to honesty and persistence, believing that any mistake should be met with transparency rather than avoidance. Looking ahead, Murphy remains focused on staying current with emerging technology in the agricultural space, including precision farming tools and performance upgrade systems, and she plans to continue expanding her expertise through ongoing training. Outside of her career, she enjoys birding, hiking, and mushroom hunting, and lives near Iowa's largest lake, where she can fully embrace her love of the outdoors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emmy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication to my customers. They mean a great deal to me, and at this point, I know many of them personally. Having been in this role for four years, I tend to work with the same customers day-to-day, week-to-week, and season-to-season. Planting and harvest seasons are especially busy times for the farmers I serve, and we do everything we can to take care of them. Honestly, they are a big part of what drives me, because I know how much they depend on me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is simply to keep trying. I remind myself of this often—just keep plugging away, even when the answer isn't obvious right away. If I can't immediately find a solution, I make it a point to keep working until I do. I don't give up until I've found the answer my customer needs.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to never stop digging for the answer, and never stop searching for the right part. Keep going, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Take the time to learn how the machines work and how to read a parts diagram, so that you can speak with confidence. It takes time and dedication to get there, but the most important thing is to never give up and never stop learning.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges is the economy, which is making it harder for people to justify purchases and keep up with routine maintenance on their equipment. At the same time, there's a real opportunity in the growth of technology within our industry. I'm actually taking a class later this month on precision technology. Advances like performance upgrade kits and See & Spray systems are making life easier for farmers, and I think that's an exciting direction for the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Dedication is extremely important to me—doing what needs to be done to make sure the job gets finished. I also place a high value on honesty. If I'm at the counter and I make a mistake, or forget to order something, I believe being upfront and honest about it is always the right approach.
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