2025 GRAND MARSHAL
Sponsored by Moto United
Duff Shelley, a beloved community figure and longtime business owner, will serve as Grand Marshal for this year's Steel Days parade in American Fork, Utah. Shelley's lifelong connection to American Fork makes him an ideal representative for the festivities, honoring his nearly seven-decade business legacy in the city.
Growing up when American Fork was a small community of only 3,000 people, Shelley recalls dirt roads, the railroad running through Main Street, and the electric train linking Payson to Salt Lake City. His childhood was rich with adventures, from playing basketball at American Fork High—where his team came heartbreakingly close to state championships—to spending carefree days exploring irrigation ditches.
Growing up when American Fork was a small community of only 3,000 people, Shelley recalls dirt roads, the railroad running through Main Street, and the electric train linking Payson to Salt Lake City. His childhood was rich with adventures, from playing basketball at American Fork High—where his team came heartbreakingly close to state championships—to spending carefree days exploring irrigation ditches.
His entrepreneurial journey began 69 years ago as a side gig sharpening lawn mowers, eventually growing into the iconic Duff Shelley Mower and Cycle dealership. Starting humbly in a two-car garage behind his parents' house, Shelley quickly expanded, building a larger shop next door and steadily adding onto it over the years.
Shelley, who also served honorably in the Air Force during the Korean War and later pursued a basketball scholarship at Utah State University, has been an integral part of American Fork’s history. Although initially aiming to become a coach, Shelley found his true calling in entrepreneurship, acquiring a Kawasaki dealership in 1969—a franchise he proudly maintained for 55 years, making it one of the oldest in the nation.
Shelley, who also served honorably in the Air Force during the Korean War and later pursued a basketball scholarship at Utah State University, has been an integral part of American Fork’s history. Although initially aiming to become a coach, Shelley found his true calling in entrepreneurship, acquiring a Kawasaki dealership in 1969—a franchise he proudly maintained for 55 years, making it one of the oldest in the nation.
Alongside running his business, Shelley spent 32 years working at Geneva Steel, showing his remarkable dedication and work ethic. Even after relocating his residence to nearby Highland, he stayed deeply connected to his hometown, frequently expressing pride in his roots.
"I've always loved American Fork," Shelley reflects. "It's an incredible honor to serve as Grand Marshal. I've known many people who have held this title and admired them greatly. To be asked myself was genuinely surprising and humbling."
Though he is nearly 97 years old, he worked at the dealership up until last month. Today, his sons continue the family legacy, taking over the operation of Duff Shelley Mower and Cycle. The recent sale of this historic dealership marks the end of an era but highlights Shelley’s enduring impact on the community.
Duff Shelley's role as Grand Marshal celebrates a lifetime of dedication, community spirit, and optimism in the town he loves best.
"I've always loved American Fork," Shelley reflects. "It's an incredible honor to serve as Grand Marshal. I've known many people who have held this title and admired them greatly. To be asked myself was genuinely surprising and humbling."
Though he is nearly 97 years old, he worked at the dealership up until last month. Today, his sons continue the family legacy, taking over the operation of Duff Shelley Mower and Cycle. The recent sale of this historic dealership marks the end of an era but highlights Shelley’s enduring impact on the community.
Duff Shelley's role as Grand Marshal celebrates a lifetime of dedication, community spirit, and optimism in the town he loves best.