Farm Supply Puts People First
Want to know the secret to Stanislaus Farm Supply's success? We hire people with a passion for the work they do. We'd like you to meet our management team:
Sam Bettencourt, President/CEO
Sam began his career with Farm Supply in 1971 as a retail service and delivery specialist after earning his degree in ag business and plant science from Modesto Junior College. The practical knowledge he gained growing up on a 200-cow dairy in Stanislaus County served him well in his new job. At first Sam didn't intend to stay with us permanently (he simply wanted to earn some extra money to continue his education at California State University - Fresno), but he gradually sensed that Farm Supply could lead to something big. After advancing to retail manager, Sam was appointed general manager in 1978. "Do what's expected, and you might survive," says Sam, who has seen Farm Supply grow from a handful of staff to more than 100 employees and an expanded trade territory. "Do more than what's expected, and you'll thrive. As we seek to create long-term relationships with our clients, we never forget these truths."
Contact: 209-541-3104 office
Espiridion "Speedy" Ixta, Chief Financial Officer
Speedy joined Farm Supply in 1979 after earning his bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from California State University-Stanislaus. A native of Mexico, Speedy moved to the United States at age 10 and grew up in Modesto. As a high school student, he earned extra money by working in restaurants, assisting in a cannery, and helping a local farmer pick strawberries. He also helped this farmer, who was a Farm Supply customer, with bookkeeping/payroll. At Farm Supply, Speedy is in charge of the general ledger and is involved in the financial aspects of each area of the company. "Our growers help feed the world, and it's satisfying to help them become more profitable."
Contact: 209-541-3107 office
Tony Weatherred, Marketing Manager
After serving in the Army and earning his associates of science degree at Modesto Junior College, Tony joined Farm Supply in 1977 as an inside retail sales/customer service employee. He brought a strong background in agriculture, since he had worked for area farmers and ag companies as a teenager. A job loading crop protection products with an aerial custom applicator, for example, gave Tony a first-hand knowledge of ag inputs. Another job as a field checker helped Tony learn about soil sampling, pest management, and other agronomic principles. Today, Tony oversees Farm Supply's stores in Modesto and Merced, and works with the company's business partner in Nevada. He also handles the pricing and ordering of crop protection products and supervises the outside sales coordinators. "I feel like we're a partner with our customers," says Tony, who is a certified crop advisor and pest control advisor. "As a full-service company, we're with them from beginning to end."
Contact:
209-541-3150 office
Don Fantazia, Sales Manager
Don joined Farm Supply in 1974 after earning his bachelor's degree in plant science from the University of California-Davis. After selling seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products for nearly 15 years, Don was promoted to sales manager. Today he supervises Farm Supply's staff of pest control advisors. "As the pace of change continues to accelerate in agriculture, farmers require more expertise today than ever before," says Don, who has owned a 30-acre walnut farm since 1977. "With our wide product line and our trained staff, we can help."
Contact:
209-541-3103 office
Ed Tobler, Operations Manager
Ed, who was born and raised in
Modesto, CA in the Westport area, joined Farm Supply in 1978 as an applicator. In his career at Farm Supply, Ed has helped out in a variety of areas, from deliveries to operations. After being promoted to operations manager in 2003, Ed continues to oversee shipping/receiving, deliveries, and equipment purchasing. He also oversees the shop personnel. "Our willingness to serve remains Farm Supply's biggest strength," says Ed, who grew up on a 50-acre almond ranch and worked for an almond huller as a young man. "I'm extremely proud to be part of this team. With the company's family-type atmosphere, it feels like coming home every day when I go to work."
Contact:
209-541-3167 office
209-604-6419 cell