In 1955, Peterson was featured in the popular Richfield Success Story television show which spotlighted different successful businesses around the San Francisco Bay Area. Peterson’s spot was aired on KGO-TV, Channel 7, on August 30, 1955 at 8pm. The show was produced by Richfield Oil Corporation and showcased companies within the local business community that were somehow allied to the products Richfield Oil sold. The show’s producers printed up 3,500 postcards as mailers to promote the show. Their somewhat over-the-top embellishment of the facts shows advertising in its raw state during the mid-20th century ...

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Here is a story that literally moves the earth. The exciting and dramatic SUCCESS STORY of Peterson Tractor & Equipment Co., at 955 First Avenue, San Leandro, California. Set in surroundings from which every major development in the history of mechanical earthmoving equipment over the past 2000 years has originated, viewers will be “let in” on a behind-the-scenes tour of this fascinating and photogenic plant. See how a modern “electric chair” has helped revolutionize methods for quick location of parts, improved service and distribution. Witness a Peterson “First” in a view of the sensational new SnoTractor, weighing many tons, but able to travel over the softest snow with a per-inch weight distribution that is less than a human being’s foot. Above all, watch how mechanical marvels that are changing the face of the earth – all over the earth – are serviced, equipped and kept running by the modern efficiency of Peterson Tractor & Equipment Co.

Remember, SUCCESS STORY: 8 pm, August 20, 1955, KGO-TV, Channel 7

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At the time of the taping, Peterson Tractor & Equipment Co. was 19 years old with 225 employees, 3 store locations (San Leandro, Brentwood and Half Moon Bay) and a territory of the five bay area counties. Sales volume had reached $1,000,000 per month selling Caterpillar and other allied agricultural equipment with a field crew of 18 field service trucks to back it up. Peterson archives currently has a taped version of the original television show in all its black-and-white, newsreel glory.