Two Industry Leaders Partnering for a Common Goal
Roanoke, Virginia — W.S. Connelly & Company (“WSC”) and Tenbarge Seed (“TBS”), leading providers of seed, fertilizer, erosion control and plant protection solutions, announced today the merger of both companies.
Roanoke, Virginia — W.S. Connelly & Company (“WSC”) and Tenbarge Seed (“TBS”), leading providers of seed, fertilizer, erosion control and plant protection solutions, announced today the merger of both companies. TBS and WSC will begin integrating business operations in December, however, both companies will maintain their brand equity in the marketplace and continue to deliver on exceeding customer and supplier expectations.
“We celebrate this new milestone today as we join these two independently owned companies,” Kevin Connelly comments. “Our family businesses have worked together for over 20 years. Our teams have trained together. Our executives have served on boards together. We purchase from one another. Combining the commitment we have for our staff and the passion we share for our customers is what will make this partnership successful. Simply put, we are formally merging two incredible family businesses that have been in partnership for over 20 years.”
For over 80 years and three generations, TBS has delivered some of the most innovative and successful T&O solutions, growing to a household name in the golf, lawn care, and sports turf industries. Chad Will, owner of TBS had the vision to create a true family driven business for much of the Mid-West United States. TBS has brought back the appreciated locally owned and operated supply house. By merging with WSC, TBS will continue to operate independently, yet will draw on decades of experience to push the boundaries of service, innovation and customer-focused solutions.
Chad Will, third generation owner of TBS states: “Our obsession with customer service led us to look for additional partners in the industry. WSC is a natural fit for TBS to continue our path towards growth and customer focused solutions. Partnering with another family business allows our customers and staff to have access to broader opportunities. Combining our business strengths will provide our customers a one-stop shop with over seven acres of warehouse space and a family of team members passionately focused on earning our customer’s trust.
About W.S. Connelly & Company, Inc.
Founded in the 1950s as a simple feed ‘n’ seed business, W.S. Connelly expanded across the decades to parent multiple companies, all serving the agriculture and professional green industries. While the family business model is increasingly rare in today’s business world, it is a third generation, family-owned and operated business. Through years of hard-work this humble business has grown into one of the most well-respected turf, ornamental and construction supply businesses in the country.
About Tenbarge Seed
For 80 years TenBarge Seed has been a leading distributor of grass seed, fertilizer, and chemicals for the golf course, sports turf, lawn care, landscape management, and arbor care industries. Our products are shipped all around the Ohio River valley, including Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, and Ohio. Tenbarge Seed remains focused on customer service, product innovation and best in class staff; the same three pillars which helped start TBS some 80 years ago.
J.R. Lynn's Tenbarge Testimonial from Propel Solutions
Hear JR Lynn's Tenbarge Testimonial! 5 Questions - J.R. Lynn from Propel Solutions on Vimeo. Tell us about yourself; who are you, where are you from, etc. J.R. Lynn, stands for James Ray, which is typically what people ask next.
Hear JR Lynn's Tenbarge Testimonial!
5 Questions - J.R. Lynn from Propel Solutions on Vimeo.
Tell us about yourself; who are you, where are you from, etc.
J.R. Lynn, stands for James Ray, which is typically what people ask next. I grew up in Tallmadge, Ohio, but have spent time in Columbus (OH) and Indianapolis. Married with 3 dogs and a newborn baby girl.
Tell us about your current job.
Golf Course Superintendent at Columbus Country Club. I started in March 2017 as the course came out of its first half of renovation. In September 2017, we began renovation on the back nine and completed work in spring of 2018. As course renovations slow, this year we begin construction of a new irrigation pond and pump station with a new irrigation system soon to follow.
How did you get into this industry? Tell us about past related jobs.
Played high school golf and heard that working at a Country Club meant free golf privileges. A close friend was working at Silver Lake Country Club and helped me get a summer job. It wasn’t long before I stopped playing golf and put all my effort into making the course better. David Lansinger took me under his wing and began teaching me the basics of course maintenance while sparking my interest to a degree in Turf Management. While attending The Ohio State University, I found an opportunity helping at Muirfield Village Golf Club preparing for the Memorial Tournament. At the time, I had no idea what I was walking into but working for Paul Latshaw and Jake Gargasz was an experience in which I will be forever grateful. In 2010, I followed Jake to Crooked Stick where we completed several in-house construction and drainage projects and prepped the course for the 2012 and 2016 BMW Championship.
How did you get started working with Tenbarge and why do you continue to stay?
In trying to keep our spray programs simple and effective, Tenbarge has carried a product line I feel most comfortable with. I met Chad Will while working at Crooked Stick Golf Club and was quick to contact Tenbarge when making the jump back to Ohio. A knowledgeable group with quality inventory and quick turnaround- Chad, Greg, and the Tenbarge team have been great to work with!
See Columbus Country Club's renovations!
Columbus Country Club Renovation from Propel Solutions on Vimeo.