Bob Mazer, Agribusiness Pioneer Who Transformed Family Dealership into Canada’s Largest New Holland Group, Dies at 75
Brandon, Manitoba — The agricultural community is mourning the loss of Robert “Bob” Mazer, a visionary leader whose stewardship of MazerGroup grew a modest family dealership into North America’s largest New Holland Agriculture network. He passed away July 6 after a short but courageous battle with cancer, Mazergroup confirmed July 8 .
Roots in Farming, Drive for Growth
Bob’s dedication to farming and service began early. Born in 1949, he started working the fields at 17 and joined his father’s dealership as a teenager in Brandon, Manitoba, at age 18 (facebook.com). While his peers focused on academics, Bob was singularly determined to build something lasting. “My heart has always been in agriculture and farming,” he said in a 2025 Hall of Fame interview (farm-equipment.com).
Building Canada’s Largest New Holland Dealership
Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit reshaped the industry. From the mid-1990s onward, he acquired dealerships across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, rebranding under the name Mazergroup in 2009. Today, the group includes 18 locations and serves thousands of farmers across the Prairie provinces (farm-equipment.com).
Industry peers saw a relentless innovator. Doug Harvey of DLH Group once compared him to a “Tasmanian Devil” for his energy and focus (farm-equipment.com). Tom Kennedy, former president of New Holland Ag, praised Bob’s ability to balance critique and collaboration—an approach that nurtured strong supplier relationships (farm-equipment.com).
Awards, Recognition, Hall of Fame
Bob’s influence earned widespread acclaim. He was Brandon’s Businessperson of the Year in 1998, led Mazergroup to win the Brandon Chamber’s Business Excellence Award in 2016, and saw the company named Dealership of the Year in 2024. In early 2025, he was inducted into the Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame (farm-equipment.com).
“He transformed Mazergroup from a regional dealership into one of the largest and most successful privately‑owned equipment groups in Canada,” said the North American Equipment Dealers Association (farm-equipment.com).
Community Champion and Innovator
Beyond business growth, Bob was a pillar of community. He championed employee development, leading initiatives in leadership training and transparent governance. Under his guidance, Mazergroup remained rooted in local identity, even as it expanded .
He also embraced new technologies, introducing high-horsepower tractors and precision-farming tools that revolutionized Prairie agriculture (instagram.com).
Legacy and Remembrance
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew honored Bob on July 7, calling him “a great Manitoban who helped make Westman and our province a better place.” Brandon-Souris MP Grant Jackson called him “a pillar of the Brandon community whose impact will be felt for generations” .
At Mazergroup’s offices, colleagues are remembering a man of integrity and purpose. CFO Wally Butler said Bob lived the business—and “his heart has always been in agriculture” (farm-equipment.com). Industry leaders echoed that his vision set the standard for modern equipment dealerships (farm-equipment.com).
Bob is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and the team he nurtured. Funeral arrangements will be shared by the Mazer family and Mazergroup.
