Farm Supply Company Announces CEO Stepping Down
Jim Brabeck, outgoing President/CEO of Farm Supply, and Cara Crye, his replacement.
Vice President of Communications Cara Crye to Succeed Jim Brabeck as President/CEO
—After 52 years of service, Jim Brabeck will be retiring as head of Farm Supply Company, effective June 30, 2017. Cara Crye, Farm Supply Company Vice President of Communications, has been chosen as the President/CEO Elect. The selection of Crye, a 20-year veteran of the cooperative, as Brabeck’s successor was a unanimous decision by the Farm Supply Board.
“For all of us, Jim Brabeck embodies dependability and trust, and we are excited to be transitioning to someone else we’ve known, trusted and relied upon for more than 20 years,” said Chris Darway, Chairman of the Board. “Cara is family to us, and has always demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for taking care of all members of the Farm Supply community.”
Crye began working at Farm Supply as a part-time salesperson in 1996. Upon her graduation from Cal Poly State University she was offered the role of Marketing Coordinator, which she held until 2015 when she became Vice President of Communications. Her community leadership involvement has included California Agricultural Leadership Program Class of 39 and Leadership San Luis Obispo Class XI. She has also served on the board or committee of eleven local and statewide organizations, including San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, Agricultural Education and Future Farmers of America.
“My tenure with Farm Supply has never been a job, it’s been a way of life,” said Brabeck. “Farm Supply has always operated under the core values of trust, unity, transparency and communication. Cara reflects all these values in all aspects of her life, embodying the humility and hardworking attitude that define our company.”
Brabeck will continue to serve Farm Supply Company in a new and different role. He has accepted a three-year term as an Appointed Outside Director to the Board, commencing on July 1, 2017. This role will enable Farm Supply Company to continue to benefit from Brabeck’s institutional knowledge of the cooperative.
Founded in 1950, Farm Supply Company was originally an agricultural supply coop, serving members of the Farm Bureau. It sold fertilizer at reasonable prices and distributed post-war surplus equipment. For a long while, much of Farm Supply’s business was servicing local dairies. These days the outfit provides goods and services for the home, farm and ranch, from irrigation equipment to pet supplies, clothing and home décor, nearly everything including the kitchen sink. Farm Supply maintains locations in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria and Buellton. In addition, the company has a pump division servicing the water needs of its rural customers. The company is 100-percent shareholder-owned, and offers membership to any individual or business with a percentage of income derived from a consumable product (livestock, fruits, or vegetables).
For more information, visit farmsupplycompany.com.
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