Blain’s Farm & Fleet, a family-owned company for 68 years, promoted Mark Hasting to president, the first time a non-family member has held the position, in addition to his chief commerce and operating officer role. Jane Blain Gilbertson, the owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc., will remain CEO.
Under Blain’s leadership, the retailer reported growth in its e-commerce business and opened ten new stores, including five in Michigan, for a total of 45 stores in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The company’s distribution capacity and technology investment has also increased significantly.
“We are at the point where it just makes sense for me to share more of the leadership responsibilities so that we can increase our capacity for continued growth,” said Gilbertson. “I am extremely proud of the strong leadership team we have here at Blain’s, including Mark, and I have full confidence in their abilities to continue to guide this organization as a team, always focused on our neighbors, our associates, our strong vendor partnerships, and our communities. Mark quickly earned our whole company’s confidence with his authentic care and vision and has shown he is a leader of real substance.”
Hasting has been with Blain’s Farm & Fleet for over three years as chief commerce and operating officer, responsible for stores and service centers, e-commerce operations, real estate, construction and facilities, and customer service. As president, his responsibilities include demand planning and supply chain, and he is a strategic partner to Gilbertson in the company’s leadership.
Before Blain’s, Hasting spent over 20 years working at Target, where he had roles of increasing responsibility, including store manager, group manager, district team leader, group vice president and vice president of store operations. He has worked as a regional vice president at Starbucks and chief operating officer at Kum & Go.
“I am humbled and excited to take on this new role. It is my desire to continue to support the growth of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and the amazing associate family that works together here,” said Hasting. “This is a special place, and I have learned so much about leadership from Jane since joining the company. It is my honor to be a strategic partner to her and her family in continuing to help this amazing organization to thrive.”
Gilbertson seconded that thought: “It is not enough to survive as a family company; we must continue to grow and thrive. Our future is so bright, and this promotion is one step toward achieving it.”
Photo courtesy Blain’s Farm & Fleet
