Our History

A legacy built
by surrounding ourselves
with the best people and products

History of Brandt Holdings Company

A humble, strong vision for the future cultivated the seeds of loss into fields of success.

Ace Brandt, the founder of Brandt Holdings Company, grew up on a farm in rural North Dakota, the son of a longtime agri-businessman Larry Brandt. Larry passed away in 1979 when Ace was 18 years old, requiring Ace to manage the daily operations of the family farm at a young age.

Ace formed Brandt Holdings Company in 1992, which took him away and well beyond the traditional tilling of farm soil. He immediately purchased his first John Deere engine distributorship (Northstar Power LLC, Ankeny, Iowa) with 100% borrowed money.

In the mid-1990s, through his passing, Ace acquired ownership interests in 32 John Deere agriculture dealerships throughout the Midwest and assembled one of the world’s largest networks of John Deere ag dealerships.

Larry Brandt (left), Ace Brandt (right)

He had a particular interest in real estate and development, and with the assistance of other business partners, Ace began the development of the Urban Plains area in southwest Fargo.

In 2007, Ace donated to Metro Sports Foundation, which helped the local nonprofit entity finance and build the Scheels Arena in Fargo, home of his USHL hockey team, the Fargo Force. In 2017, Ace formed Brandt Hospitality Group, which operates 18 hotels throughout the U.S.

Ace passed away on October 16, 2021.

The company continues to operate with Ace’s vision and passion for caring for its employees and customers.

A Timeline of Growth


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Brandt Holdings Company is formed.

Ace Brandt started Brandt Holdings in December 1992 and purchased his first John Deere engine distributorship in Iowa.

December 1992

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Acquisition of John Deere Dealerships

In the mid-1990s through the present day, Brandt Holdings acquired ownership interests in 38 John Deere agriculture dealerships throughout the Midwest. They assembled one of the world's largest networks of John Deere agricultural dealerships.

Mid-1990's

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Urban Plains Development is formed

Ace Brandt had a particular interest in real estate and development, and with the assistance of other business partners, Ace developed the Urban Plains area of southwest Fargo. 

Brandt Holdings Company transformed an area of open fields into Fargo’s Urban Plains development, an area south of the Sanford Medical Center.

That area is home to housing, restaurants, office space, and Scheels Arena, where the company’s Fargo Force hockey team plays.

Early 2000's

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Scheels Arena is buildt

 In 2007, Ace donated to Metro Sports Foundation, which helped the local nonprofit entity finance and build the Scheels Arena in Fargo, home of his USHL hockey team, the Fargo Force.

2007

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Brandt Hospitality Group is formed

In 2017, Ace formed Brandt Hospitality Group, which operates hotels throughout the United States.

2017

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Founder, Ace Brandt, passes away

Ace A. Brandt, 60, Fargo, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at his home with his family by his side.

The company continues to operate with Ace’s vision and passion for caring for its employees and customers. 

October 16th, 2021

Brandt Holdings Company Today

Since 1992

A path of steady growth

5 Divisions

Diverse and interesting

1900+ Employees

Powering our divisions

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Striving to Excel

Collectively, we share a strong desire to excel in every aspect of our business.

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Empowering our People

We empower our employees to make day-to-day decisions for their market.

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Growing with
Resilience

Our spirit of determination, resilience, and courage paves a steady path of growth.

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Inspired to Serve

Driven by our customer focus, we provide innovative services and solutions.

Our Growth

Surrounding ourselves with the best people and products powers our success and steady growth.

Since it began in 1992, Brandt Holdings Company has been on a steady growth path. With administrative offices in Fargo, North Dakota, the company has diversified and operates five divisions: Agriculture, Industrial, Real Estate, Entertainment, and Hospitality. 

Although diverse in its entities, the company holds firmly to its original mission: We are a customer-focused company providing innovative services and solutions by surrounding ourselves with the best people and products.

<img src="https://brandtholdings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-Brandt-Holdings-Site-Icon-trans-bg02.png"><br><br>Since 1992<br>Always moving forward ▷<br> Always rising up △<br><br><br>