Dear Farm Supply Members, Customers, and Community,
It is a great honor that I write to you to share my excitement that Farm Supply’s Board of Directors has selected me to succeed Jim Brabeck as our company’s next President/CEO. Many of you have sent congratulatory messages – THANK YOU! Your support truly means so much to me. For those of you I haven’t yet met, I’m looking forward to the opportunity and hope you will introduce yourself the next time you are at Farm Supply.
Farm Supply has never just been a job to me, but has been a part of my life as early as I can remember. Founded as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1950 by local farmers and ranchers, today it is a growing community of 2600 members, two of whom are my grandparents, Domingos and Mary Garcia. From a young age, I knew there was something special about Farm Supply – the smell of the feed, the western clothes, the stacks of dog food. However, what really stood out in my mind has always been the people. Even as a kid, they knew my name and were so friendly.
As an Ag Science student at Cal Poly looking for a job, I thought of Farm Supply and what a great place it must be to work. I have to thank Jim Brabeck for putting trust in me then, and many times since – as a part-time sales associate in 1996, as Marketing Coordinator upon my graduation, and more recently as Vice President of Communications in 2015.
As a 20-year employee, the greatest gift I have received is the relationships I am lucky enough to have with so many of you, our customers. We have laughed and cried together on many occasions. Together we have celebrated many special moments – buying property, getting your first horse, the birth of your children and their graduations from high school – and for that, I feel very fortunate.
This past week, I have received many comments about “what big shoes I have to fill”! Both literally and figuratively, it’s true. Jim is an incredible leader and person who operates with integrity, humility and an awareness of others’ needs. He has been a phenomenal mentor to me and in return, I have tried to always be a good student and take in his many lessons. And although my approach to life, my leadership traits, my journey and my vision for Farm Supply will be different, I can guarantee that the culture Jim and former CEO Karen Ellsworth have worked so hard to create and sustain will not change – the culture that says, “If it isn’t right, don’t do it.”
The dedication, depth of knowledge, and loyalty of my 108 coworkers inspires me every day to give my best for the greater good of Farm Supply, and I look forward to working with this team to continue to serve our local community.
In 2017, our company will celebrate its 67th Anniversary and Jim’s 53 years of service to Farm Supply. Jim will retire on June 30, and I will resume the role of President/CEO on July 1. Jim will continue to serve Farm Supply as an Appointed Outside Director to the Board, and I am excited to celebrate his legacy with you as I begin my journey to lead our great company well into the future.
Please know you can reach out to me any time at ccrye@farmsupplycompany.com or (805) 543-3751.
I look forward to continuing to serve you.
Sincerely,
Cara M. Crye
CEO-Elect
Farm Supply Company
