My Story
"CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!"
Howdy! My name is Annika Ernstrom and this is the story of how I became "THAT TRACTOR CHICK"
What Started it All!
Believe it or not I began my career as a tractor mechanic completely on a whim. It was my junior year of high school and I had recently watched two friends complete an antique tractor restoration through a local competition. My friends and I humored the idea of entering the competition just for fun. Later that week we were officially a part of the program starting from scratch.
1957 Ford 600
A simple set of tools, a mentor, and a 1957 Ford 600 made for my first ever tractor restoration. I had never laid eyes on a tractor like this, let alone knew how to fix one. (Spark Plugs? What are those?) It seemed crazy and impossible. After nine months of some serious learning curves the tractor was mechanically sound, painted beautifully, and ready for competition. I could confidently tell you how it worked but still had more to learn. Not only did my knowledge and mechanical skills grow but my passion for antique tractors spread like wildfire.
1948 Allis Chalmers WC
My senior year of high school came around fast and I was nowhere near ready to give up on my tractor adventures. Though this time I wanted more of a challenge!! I was given plenty of viable options, but as a hardheaded young lady I chose the tractor I was warned against taking. I wanted to learn as much as possible, prove people wrong, and win the competition. My 1948 Allis Chalmers WC tested every ounce of patience I had. I can now proudly say every nut, bolt and part of that tractor has been fixed, cleaned or replaced, inside and out. That year I was blessed enough to take home the 2021 Chevron National Tractor Restoration Grand Champion title.
That Tractor Chick!
After two years of scavenging for parts and tinkering with tractors, locals bestowed me the name of tractor girl or more commonly known as "THAT TRACTOR CHICK!" From there I hit the ground running full force into launching a business that would allow me to continue my passion as well as helping to preserve our agricultural history and the knowledge that is being lost with the passing generations. I hope that by sharing my story, I can not only help bring those who love tractors together, but inspire other young adults to take on their work with confidence and perseverance. Follow what you love and if someone says otherwise, you tell them "CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!"
About Me
Behind every business there is a person or multiple people who make it work. I am Annika Ernstrom the owner and mechanic of "THAT TRACTOR CHICK" Restorations & Repairs. I'm just a gal with a love for anything with tractors, trucks or animals. You truly can't beat a weekend out finding new adventures or working hard in the shop. As pictured below I will always try my best to ruin a photo with a goofy face or grease covered clothes, because who doesn't love a good laugh.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to be attending McPherson College this fall (2023) to benefit the business and the work I produce. Follow along with me as I take on a new chapter of life and continue the endless projects & restorations. This TRACTOR CHICK has a new challenge!!
Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example
Tell me I can't do something and I will do it twice and take pictures
