Rotary Club hears from Thomas Soileau of Progressive Tractor and Power Sports June 28, 2022 The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from Thomas Soileau, co-owner of Progressive Tractor and Power Sports. Soileau, a native of Ville Platte, now resides in Bunkie. He and his wife are the parents of four children. He is the son of Luke Soileau, former State Representative and part owner of G&S Implement Company in Ville Platte. Progressive began in 1991 with the purchase of G&S Implement and Dixie Ag as a Case Kubota dealer. The dealership expanded to Eunice, Cecelia, New Roads and Opelousas. In 2006, Soileau and his partners purchased the Progressive dealership. The company continued to expanded where it is now in 25 locations throughout Louisiana and Arkansas employing 435 employees. The company is utilizing the G&S location as a distribution center for parts and equipment. Recently the company purchased Boco's Incorporated, the local Honda dealership. They are planning to move to a larger location, in the former Morein Motors dealership building in the next week as a Honda dealer and Bad Boy mowers and outdoor power equipment. The location will also be a satellite retailer for their Industrial Rental dealership headquartered in Lafayette. The company has expanded to own a Case Construction Equipment dealership in Lafayette. However, the company's main focus remains is agriculture. Soileau told club members "We're happy to be back in Evangeline Parish." Soileau was the guest of Rotarian Steve Phillips. Last week, during the Rotary Installation Banquet, Kermit Miller and Dr. Joey Soileau were honored as Rotarians of the Year.