Blain's Farm & Fleet - Verona, Wisconsin

Ownership

Blain's Farm & Fleet is a family-owned, privately held corporation run by President and CEO Jane Blain Gilbertson since her brother retired in 2014. The company remains independent and has not been sold to private equity, unlike its competitor Fleet Farm.

Local Sourcing

The company operates a centralized distribution center in Janesville, Wisconsin, but specific information about local supplier relationships or sourcing practices is not publicly available in search results. The company carries national brands but unclear how much comes from regional suppliers.

Community Involvement

Blain's works with FFA to establish agricultural scholarships, sponsors the Midwest Horse Fair and 4-H activities, and corporate sponsorship programs. The company received the Wisconsin Business Achievement Award and donated the $75,000 prize to SMILES, a Wisconsin-based non-profit.

Local Workforce

The company has been recognized by Forbes four times as one of America's Best Midsize Employers and ranked 10th among retail companies. However, only 24% of surveyed employees agreed they are paid fairly, and reviews reveal inconsistent management and concerns about part-time hours and wage issues.

Revenue Retention

Blain's Farm & Fleet is a regional chain operating in four states (Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan), suggesting a Midwest-focused business model that keeps some revenue regional. However, as a corporate chain with 45 locations, a significant portion of profits likely flows to corporate headquarters in Janesville rather than remaining in individual communities.

Local Presence

No website available to analyze.