Chris and Jessica Shea with their children and parents, along with award presenter, Georgia House Representative Jon Burns at the 2017 Effingham County Young Farmers annual awards banquet.

On Dec. 13, Chris Shea, owner of Low Country Machinery, was named Effingham County Georgia's Agribusinessman of the Year. He was nominated by a committee in the Young Farmers Association of Georgia.

This award was presented to Shea at the 2017 Effingham County Young Farmers Annual Awards Banquet by Georgia House Representative Jon Burns.

“I'm honored to have been chosen for this award, said Shea. “I couldn't have done it without those who have supported me along the way. Thank you to my incredible wife, Jessica, my hardworking staff at both dealerships, my business mentors and my family, for your love and support through all of my business ventures. I'm very blessed that I'm able to do what I love every day. I can't wait to get up every morning and demonstrate equipment and close deals with my great customers.”

After working as a salesman at Low Country Machinery selling JCB equipment for 12 years, Shea decided to purchase the dealership in 2016, stepping up from sales manager to president and CEO.

Within the first year of owning the company, Shea saw an opportunity to expand and opened a brand-new Kubota dealership one year later in Statesboro.

Shea's background in the Future Farmers of America, agriculture, livestock and interests in tractors and heavy equipment prepared him well for this role in life and helps him form meaningful relationships with his loyal customers.

Low Country Machinery carries three well-known brands in the industry: JCB, Kubota and Massey Ferguson, in addition to SCAG lawn mowers, Echo power tools and Landpride attachments. The company also provides customers with virtually any part for piece of equipment, with two parts and service warehouses in Pooler and Statesboro.

For more information, visit www.lowcountrymachinery.com.

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