A Montana Moment in the Big Hole
In 2021, NBC Montana reporter Kevin Maki visited the Jackson shop to tell the Shepherd’s Garage story. The report independently documented a business that began in 1945 and grew alongside generations of Big Hole ranchers. It showed why a capable local dealership matters when the next full-service shop may be many miles away.
From repair work to building hay equipment
Jack Shepherd started the business as a Texaco station and repair garage. As local needs changed, the family began building equipment for stacking hay, including derricks, beaverslides and buckrakes. Rich Shepherd became especially known for the side-delivery rakes built in the Jackson shop—practical equipment shaped by the work outside the door.
Four generations, one continuing responsibility
Jack built the foundation. Rich carried the shop forward for nearly four decades with a strong work ethic and an engineering mind. David grew up working in the business before his life was cut short in 2001. Today, Toby represents the fourth Shepherd generation, leading the company with co-owner Evan Peacock and a growing team across Montana.
The work changed, so the dealership changed
Shepherd’s Garage evolved from building equipment to selling, servicing and diagnosing increasingly sophisticated machines. Modern tractors, balers and construction equipment demand factory training, software, parts access and specialized tooling—but the purpose remains familiar: help customers finish demanding work with less labor and less downtime.
Still local, now serving more of Montana
The Jackson shop remains rooted in the Big Hole, while teams in Dillon, Helena and Victor carry the same commitment into more communities. Growth only matters if customers can still reach real people who understand their equipment, their season and the cost of waiting for an answer.
Why the story is still relevant
The NBC feature recorded 75 years of history at the time. The more durable story is that Shepherd’s Garage has served Montana ranchers since 1945 and continues to adapt. Equipment, technology and territory will keep changing; accountability to the customer cannot.