The Josh Waggener lawsuit is actually two lawsuits filed weeks apart in 2025. In the first, Hutson Inc., one of the largest John Deere dealerships in North America, sued its former president and CEO Joshua Waggener in federal court in Kentucky, alleging he breached his employment agreement. In the second, Waggener sued W&B Service Company, the Texas transportation equipment dealer he joined the same day he collected his separation payment from Hutson, along with W&B’s private equity owner Stellex Capital Management.
What Hutson Alleges
Hutson Inc. and Hutson of Michigan, Inc. filed their complaint on April 16, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, case number 5:25-cv-00047. The case was assigned to Judge Benjamin Beaton and classified as a contract dispute.1PACER Monitor. Hutson Inc. et al v. Waggener, Complaint2Law360. Hutson Inc. et al v. Waggener
The core claim is breach of Waggener’s employment agreement. According to the complaint, Hutson’s board had already been questioning whether Waggener was “loyally and faithfully performing the duties of his position” and was evaluating options to terminate him before he resigned. The complaint also references “a number of financial matters” connected to Waggener’s pre-resignation conduct.3Farm Equipment. John Deere Dealer in Legal Battle With Former Exec The specific dollar amounts and the nature of those financial allegations have not been publicly reported. Miller Hahn, Norton Rose, and Stoll Keenon are listed as law firms involved in the case.2Law360. Hutson Inc. et al v. Waggener
How Waggener Left Hutson
Waggener resigned effective July 14, 2024, citing “certain physical ailments” as his reason for leaving. On the same day he received his separation payment from Hutson, he announced on social media that he had accepted the position of president and CEO of W&B Service Company. That announcement is what prompted Hutson to look more closely at his conduct in the months leading up to his departure.4Farm Equipment. Hutson Inc. Files Suit Against Former CEO
Waggener had joined Hutson in October 2017 as Vice President of Sales, was promoted to President in November 2019, and eventually became President and CEO. During his time leading the sales organization, Hutson credited him with a strategy that produced 22 percent revenue growth.5Hutson Inc. Senior Leadership Promotions 2019
Waggener’s Texas Suit Against W&B and Stellex
Two weeks after Hutson sued him, Waggener filed his own lawsuit. On April 30, 2025, he sued W&B Service Company, LLC and Stellex Capital Management LLC in the 160th District Court of Dallas County, Texas. Judge Aiesha Redmond was assigned to the case, which was categorized as a civil matter, and Waggener is represented by attorney Todd William Shadle.6Trellis Law. Josh Waggener vs. W&B Service Company LLC et al
The specific claims in Waggener’s petition have not been publicly reported. W&B is not a competitor of Hutson’s; it is a transport refrigeration and semi-trailer dealer founded in 1952, operating more than 20 locations across several states and offering Carrier Transicold products, trailers, parts, and service.7W&B Service Company. W&B Service Company Stellex Capital Management is the investment firm that backs W&B and lists it among its portfolio companies.8Stellex Capital Management. Investments Whatever occurred at W&B after Waggener’s arrival was serious enough for him to take both the company and its financial sponsor to court within months of starting the job.
Where Each Case Stands
Both suits remain in their early stages. The Kentucky federal case is pending before Judge Beaton, with no public rulings or settlement announcements reported through mid-2026. The Texas docket showed no responsive pleadings or rulings beyond the original petition as of early May 2025.6Trellis Law. Josh Waggener vs. W&B Service Company LLC et al Farm Equipment indicated additional details on Hutson’s claims were expected in its Ag Equipment Intelligence newsletter, but those details have not surfaced in publicly available reporting.4Farm Equipment. Hutson Inc. Files Suit Against Former CEO