Harold Godbersen (1916-1986), founder of GOMACO Corporation and Godbersen-Smith Construction Company, was a civic leader and industrialist in the community of Ida Grove for more than 45 years.

Godbersen's venture into business came when he was just 22. He entered the construction business for the first time in 1938 in the Mapleton area. In 1941, he founded H.W. Godbersen Construction Company, and in 1946 he started Godbersen-Smith Construction in Ida Grove, serving as president and chairman of the board for the firm.

Also in 1946, he founded a building construction business, Godbersen-Smith Building and Supply Company. It was subsequently sold in 1961 and became United Builders, Inc.

In 1954, he founded Midwest Industries, Inc., with his brother, Byron, to manufacture agriculture machinery and marine equipment. He served as its president until 1964. At that time, it was sold to his brother, Byron, and it continues to be a major Ida Grove industry.

In 1965, Godbersen and his son, Gary, founded GOMACO Corporation, which manufactures and markets construction machinery throughout the United States and the world. GOMACO's designs and concepts have pioneered many aspects of slipforming concrete construction. Godbersen was president and chairman of the board.

In 1973, GOMACO International was established for worldwide distribution of GOMACO products, with actual product distribution in 50 countries. Godbersen was vice president of GOMACO International.

In 1980, GOMACO Corporation was a national recipient of the President's "E" Award, an honor for international export excellence administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In 1983, GOMACO International Ltd., London, England, was formed for the purpose of providing sales, parts and service throughout the European market, Middle East and Africa. Godbersen served as director.

In 1983, Gomaco Trolley Company was formed in Ida Grove, for the design and manufacture of authentic reproduction trolley cars.

In 1984, GOMACO Corporation was honored as a national recipient of the "E Star" Award for continued expansion of exports. The award was presented to Godbersen in a special presentation by then President Ronald Reagan at the White House in Washington, D.C.