New Owner For Nichols Ag
Nichols Ag, an independent crop input retailer and CropLife 100 member located in Nichols, IA, was recently acquired by neighboring independent retailer O'Toole, Leets, IA.
Nichols Ag, an independent crop input retailer and CropLife 100 member located in Nichols, IA, was recently acquired by neighboring independent retailer O'Toole, Leets, IA.
Nichols Ag's primary owners were John and Linda Hester. He is well-known throughout the ag industry and is the past chairman of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and a recipient of its "Retailer of the Year."
He reports, "We have decided to begin the transition of our ownership in order to carry on growth and success. We also feel that younger leadership is needed to keep abreast for the technology and regulatory changes."
Josh O'Toole, son of the purchasing group's father Greg, is a recent graduate from Iowa State University and began his employment with the company on July 1.
Hester continues, "O'Toole has a very similar culture dedicated to exceptional quality, customer service, community involvement, and employee development. The O'Toole's do not plan on making any big changes.
"We will still be 'Nichols Ag' and I will be the manager for the next two to three years while Josh continues to learn the business," Hester says.
Stutsman's will continue as a minority partner in Nichols Ag.
(Source: Agri Marketing magazine)
