About us - Fleet Farm (2024)

For over 75 years, Fleet Farm has been serving communities across the Midwest by providing quality farm and home merchandise at competitive prices with excellent customer service. We seek to live up to our reputation for friendly staff, wide product selection and good value across all our stores.

Our History

Fleet Farm was founded in 1955 when Adolph Herzberg opened the first Fleet Wholesale Supply store in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. Seeing a need for convenient farm supply shopping in rural areas, Herzberg focused on offering veterinary medicines, work clothing, fencing and animal feed stocked in a simple downtown retail space.

As the business grew, Fleet expanded its product range to serve broader home, auto, hobby and recreational needs. The first large format store opened in 1963 outside of Appleton’s downtown to accommodate increased inventory. Another Appleton location opened in 1969 followed by Fleet Farm’s first stores in other Wisconsin cities in the early 1970s.

Now headquartered in Appleton, Fleet Farm has steadily extended its retail footprint across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota over the past 50 years. While the variety of quality merchandise has increased dramatically, Fleet Farm remains dedicated to friendly Midwestern values, customer service and community support.

Our Stores

Fleet Farm operates over 180 retail stores across five Upper Midwestern states. Most locations are large format stores carrying Farm & Ranch merchandise along with an extensive selection of products for Home, Auto, Sports & Toys, Clothing, and more. We also have a number of convenience retail stores offering a more specialized mix tailored to each community.

Every Fleet Farm store provides small town charm and customer care along with big store selection and values. Our large format stores average 150,000 square feet of shopping space with wide aisles, clear signage to direct you to products and checkouts at the front and back of the store for your convenience. You’ll find everything for your home or farm under one roof.

While offering consistent inventory across stores, Fleet Farm buyers also work with local managers to tailor merchandise to regional and community interests in each location whether that’s emphasis on fishing gear, seasonal sports needs or specialized clothing. Store staff members are your neighbors, recommended products that work for your area and update you on the newest items that arrive in store.

Fleet Farm store hours vary by location but most stores are open from 8am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 9am to 7pm on Sundays for your convenience. Whether working on projects or exploring your interests early in the day or squeezing in errands after work or school, our stores try to meet customer needs.

Our Brands

In addition to carrying all leading national brands for farm, home, auto, clothing, sports and pet supplies, Fleet Farm has developed our own exclusive brands tailored specifically for our customers. Over 20% of products now carry one of our private label brands designed to offer quality and value across categories including:

Fleet Farm Outdoor Company (FFO)

FFO provides clothing, footwear and equipment designed for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor pursuits throughout the year. FFO branded products are extensively field tested by staff and pro anglers across varying terrain and conditions resulting in durable and reliable performance gear ready for family adventures or solo excursions into the wilderness. Everything from rugged outerwear to tents and cooking equipment meets discerning standards at affordable prices.

Best Choice

Offering everyday essentials for farm, home, pets and more, Best Choice products deliver maximum value without sacrificing quality or dependability. Developed specially for Fleet Farm customers, Best Choice feed, hardware, cleaning supplies, consumables and seasonal items provide reliability and function. When you need vitamins to boost livestock health, parts to repair machinery or paper goods to stock the shelves, Best Choice offers savings for routine needs.

McGraw

For tire and automotive accessories, McGraw provides exceptional quality and reliability to keep your vehicles running smoothly throughout changing Midwest weather and rugged rural roads. McGraw tires, batteries, filters, fluids and maintenance products deliver dependable vehicle performance with convenience and neighborly service in Fleet Farm auto service centers.

Richmond Gear

From backyard playsets to treestands, Richmond Gear brings confidence to Fleet Farm’s sports and leisure offerings. Hunting blinds, fitness equipment and playground installations carry the assurance of rigorous testing paired with accessible pricing to enable family fun. Whether equipping your deer stand, home gym or children’s playground build, Richmond Gear facilitates shared adventures and memories right in your own backyard.

Renzetti

Renzetti offers reliable farming and homesteading tools for professional operations or hobby farms. Featuring Premium American Craftsmanship since 1921, equipment extends from high tensile game fencing to electric poultry netting to trouble lights and generators offering versatility and strength for the most demanding tasks. Renzetti branded products provide quality tested dependability to enable success raising livestock or growing gardens.

Trekker Trail

For exploring the outdoors, Trekker Trail provides hard-working gear designed for campers, hikers, anglers and hunters. Trekker Trail packs, rainwear, axes, boxes and storage keep you prepared for quick getaways or extended seasons in the wilderness. Equipment carries convenience without excess weight catering to those carrying supplies across long distances. The Trekker Trail tag signifies purpose-built provisions to make excursions easier from weekend trips to weeklong adventures.

By carrying these special brands in categories from clothing to tires to hunting equipment, Fleet Farm delivers selection and savings together with the guarantee of durability. Whether tackling rough terrain during summer hikes or braving frigid temps transporting feed to livestock over icy rural routes in January, products branded Richmond Gear, FFO, McGraw and Renzetti equip Midwest life throughout the seasons.

Our People & Values

Fleet Farm’s 75-year history stems from strong Midwestern values starting with our founder Adolph Herzberg. After emigrating from Germany, Herzberg started the business based on a firm commitment to friendly service, community focus and merchandising integrity. We still hold those core values today.

Our over 25,000 team members share genuine hospitality and helpfulness with every customer interaction. Fleet Farm staff members take pride in their stores, product offerings and role enriching area lifestyles. Our people make shopping a personal, engaging experience through service at checkout, advice identifying the best products and ongoing store enhancements.

We actively support our communities in big and small ways from raising funds for local charities to providing products for area clean up drives to sponsoring youth sports teams. Fleet Farm stores often serve as collection points and central hubs bringing people together around common values and causes that strengthen bonds in the places we call home.

Above all, we run our business guided by solid Midwest principles starting with Herzberg’s founding virtues:

Honest Value
Providing quality merchandise from reputable brands alongside our own specially formulated products competively priced for savings without sacrificing reliability.

Caring Service
Creating a welcoming retail environment where staff treat all customers like neighbors backed by our Best Guarantee policy allowing returns for any reason.

Committed Involvement
Supporting towns and neighborhoods across our retail territory through event participation, product donations and community group sponsorships.

Trusted Relationships
Building confidence and loyalty with customers, partners and teams through transparency, integrity and person-to-person outreach.

These simple values shape everyday operations at Fleet Farm from the way headquarters buyers evaluate products to how distribution teams supply stores to the efforts of our retail employees. We constantly aim to meet customer needs efficiently and economically while building lasting connections.

Merchandise Mix

Fleet Farm provides one-stop shopping convenience under one roof with depth and variety across major merchandise categories. Customers will find all essentials for farm, home, auto, sports and pets along with seasonal goods, specialty foods and household necessities. Our buyers work year-round to source top products catering to rural and community interests in our territory.

Farm & Ranch

The heritage of Fleet Farm tied to serving farmers, ranchers and homesteaders shows in our unmatched inventory covering:

  • Animal Health: Livestock medicines & supplies
  • Equine & Small Animal: Horse tack, feeds and accessories
  • Farm Equipment: Manual and powered implements
  • Farm Supplies: Hardware, workwear, wild bird feed and more
  • Fencing: High tensile, electric and gate options
  • Feed & Bedding: Nutrition and care essentials
  • Grower Supplies: Greenhouse gear, seeds, plants, canning tools
  • Tackle & Attractants: Gear for predator hunting and pest control

Pet Supplies

Fleet Farm provides complete pet care products from leading brands:

  • Dog Supplies: Food, beds, crates, toys, cleanup accessories
  • Cat Supplies: Litter, trees, scratchers and feeding products
  • Fish & Reptile: Aquariums, habitats, lighting and nutrition
  • Small Pet: Hutches, habitats, bedding and food for specialty pets

Home Improvement

For essential home upkeep and renovations, customers find:

  • Hardware: Power tools, lumber, fasteners, sandpaper, sealants
  • Home Décor: Furniture, storage, organizers, frames and décor
  • Kitchenware: Cookware, small electrics, gadgets, dinnerware
  • Cleaning: All surface, detergent, broom, mops, vacuum
  • Paint Sundries: Brushes, rollers, tarps, repair compounds
  • major Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers
  • Outdoor Living: Patio sets, grills, fire pits, gardening

Sports & Leisure

Gearing up for recreation and hobbies, we offer:

  • Camping: Tents, sleeping bags, coolers, stoves and packs
  • Cycling: Bikes for all ages and travels along with components
  • Fishing: Rods, reels, tackleboxes, gear, bait and electronics
  • Hunting: Tree stands, blinds, decoys, calls, optics, packs
  • Water Sports: Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, waterskis, towables
  • Winter Fun: Ice fishing, snowshoe, ski and sledding essentials
  • Game Room: Tables, darts, accessories for pool, ping pong, foosball
  • Fan Gear: Regional team hats, jerseys, décor and tailgating items

Clothing & Footwear

Outfitting customers from job site to camp site, we stock:

  • Everyday Apparel: Seasonal separates for ladies, men and kids
  • Work & Casual Wear: Durable shirts, pants, outerwear and boots
  • Hunting Clothes: Seasonal camo and blaze orange apparel
  • Activewear: Base layers, fleeces, socks for outdoor pursuits
  • Cold Weather Gear: Insulated boots, bibs, gloves and heaters
  • Rainwear: Ponchos, slickers, umbrellas and gaiters
  • Accessories: Belts, wallets, packs, socks, caps and scarves

Auto & Tires

Keeping vehicles road ready across rugged rural roads, Fleet Farm provides:

  • Auto Parts: Brakes, batteries, fittings, electronics
  • Fluids: Motor oil, fuel additives, lubricants, antifreeze
  • Tires: Leading brands for passenger, truck and specialty vehicles
  • Car Cleaning: Soaps, waxes, vacuums, towels, air fresheners
  • Safety & Security: Fire extinguishers, jumper cables, flares, storage

Home Décor & Housewares

Customers find essentials for backdrop and hospitality including:

  • Bedding: Pillows, sheets, comforters, mattress covers
  • Bath Essentials: Towels, shower curtains, linens, accessories
  • Furniture: Indoor and outdoor seating, tables, storage
  • Area Rugs: Broadloom and bound rugs in varied sizes and styles
  • Window Treatments: Blinds, shades, drapes and hanging hardware
  • Home Storage: Closet systems, shelves, bins, luggage

Toys & Crafts

For children’s entertainment and adult hobby interests:

  • Action Figures: Building sets, dolls, diecast cars, train sets
  • Arts & Crafts: Scrapbook materials, sewing, jewelry making
  • Games & Puzzles: Playing cards, board games, jigsaws
  • Outdoor Play: Swingsets, playhouses, water tables and sandboxes
  • Radio Control: Cars, trucks, drones and boats

Lawn & Garden

Green thumbs find planting, growing and maintenance essentials:

  • Seeds & Bulbs: Vegetables, fruit and flowers
  • Gardening Tools: Gloves, shears, rakes, sprayers
  • Watering: Hoses, wands, sprinklers, dripline, rain barrels
  • Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, plants, lighting, decorative stone
  • Outdoor Power: Lawn tractors, blowers, tillers, chainsaws

Our Services

Beyond convenient one-stop shopping for all farm and home needs, Fleet Farm stores provide specialty services catering to rural and community interests:

Store Pickup – Buy online and pick up purchases without leaving your vehicle through our expedited store pickup program. Simply park in designated pickup spots and call the store when you’ve arrived.

Gift Cards – Choose from over 200 designs or customize your own gift card for any occasion from birthdays to anniversaries. Cards can be purchased online or at checkout.

Propane – Many locations provide cost-saving propane tank exchange programs for powering home heating, drying, cooking and recreational vehicles.

Hunting Licenses – Select stores conveniently issue hunting and fishing licenses meeting state requirements.

Automotive Services – Fleet Farm service centers perform oil changes, tire changes, battery replacement and other maintenance to keep your vehicles running smoothly. No appointment needed at most locations.

Special Orders – Don’t see what you need on the shelves? Our knowledgeable staff can place special orders for items not normally stocked.

Delivery – Take the hassle out of getting purchases home by arranging professional third party delivery service to your doorstep on qualifying purchases.

Equipment Rentals – Some stores offer specialty equipment for rent to enable property improvement projects or recreational pursuits without the investment in ownership. Rent tillers, carpet cleaners, pressure washers, lawn equipment and more by the hour or day.

Weapon Transfers – Properly licensed stores facilitate compliant firearm and suppressor transfers upon request. Background checks required.

Check Cashing – For added convenience, Fleet Farm now cashes payroll and government checks up to specified limits at participating store customer service desks.

Our Commitment

For over 75 years, Fleet Farm has served hardworking rural communities across the Upper Midwest anchored by strong values, quality products, and friendly service. As we continue growing, you can count on your local Fleet Farm store to be a helpful hometown retailer equipped to handle your everyday needs and seasonal projects.

We pride ourselves on carrying the top national brands you know and trust while also developing specialty merchandise under our own brands tailored specifically for Fleet Farm shoppers. And our pricing brings confidence with promises like everyday low prices along with weekly sales and seasonal savings promotions.

Our helpful store staff work diligently to create clean, well-organized shopping environments where items are easy to locate. We aim to offer convenience with multiple checkout lanes including self-checkout. Our stores also price verify so you pay the posted price.

Most importantly, we strive to enrich area lifestyles by supporting local fundraisers, sponsoring community events and getting involved year-round. Our stores provide more than quality products at great prices – we offer a rewarding shopping experience backed by Midwest values. We look forward to serving your family for years to come!

About us - Fleet Farm (2024)

FAQs

About us - Fleet Farm? ›

Fleet Farm has served hardworking Midwestern families since 1955 with a broad selection of dependable products to fit most every need. We are a full-service supplier for life, work, home, farm and outdoor recreation.

What is the Fleet Farm controversy? ›

The attorney general's lawsuit claims Fleet Farm contributed to gun trafficking and crime in Minnesota when it disregarded "blatant warning signs," including multiple purchases of similar handguns, buying sprees, and staggered visits to different locations.

Who is Fleet Farm owned by? ›

In 2016, Mills Fleet Farm was sold to KKR. As of July 2018, the "Mills" part of the name has been dropped, shortening the name to "Fleet Farm". In addition, Fleet Farm launched a new brand campaign and added the tagline “Built for real life”, replacing the slogan "We Love It" which debuted in 2009.

What does fleet stand for in Fleet Farm? ›

Customers who had a “fleet” were allowed to buy goods at a discount. A fleet was defined by the state as five or more internal combustion engines. Cars, tractors and even some lawnmowers counted toward that “fleet card.”

Where is the headquarters for Fleet Farm? ›

Who is Fleet Farm competitor? ›

Mills Fleet Farm competitors include The Home Depot, Cabela's, Menards, Tractor Supply Company and S&W Seed Company.

What happened with Farm and Fleet and Fleet Farm? ›

In 2016, the Mills brothers sold Fleet Farm to a New York-based equity firm KKR, which manages investments across private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. Claude Blain died in 1988 and his brother Bert died in 1993, and Bert's son Robert Blain took over the company.

Why did Mills sell Fleet Farm? ›

Stewart Mills III, a third-generation executive, told the Brainerd Daily Dispatch in October that the retailer needed deeper pockets to expand in order to add stores and update the company's warehouse. He also said the distribution network needs updating and investment.

What bank does Fleet Farm use? ›

Fleet Farm® and Fleet Rewards® are registered trademarks of Fleet Farm Wholesale Supply Co. LLC. Fleet Rewards® Visa Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc.

Who is CEO of Fleet Farm? ›

Mills Fleet Farm Key Executives. Derick Prelle serves as the CEO / President of Mills Fleet Farm.

Are Mills Fleet Farm and Fleet Farm the same? ›

A: Blain's Farm and Fleet and Mills Fleet Farm are two different companies. There never has been any business or family connection between them.

What is the Fleet Farm code of ethics? ›

We are committed to our founding principles: honesty, integrity, hard work, and loyalty to our customers and partners. These values are demonstrated in everything we do. Quality and value are at the heart of the Fleet Farm promise.

How much did Fleet Farm sell for? ›

A Reuters story in December reported the deal could be worth more than $1.2 billion, including debt. “We have decided to partner with KKR in order to take Mills Fleet Farm to the next level of growth for the future,” co-presidents Henry Mills II and Stewart Mills Jr. said Tuesday.

How many people work for Fleet Farm? ›

How many employees does Fleet Farm have currently? Fleet Farm has approximately 5K employees as of August 2024. These team members are located across 5 continents, including North AmericaEuropeAfrica.

How many Fleet Farm stores are there in the US? ›

'” Fleet Farm has a total of 49 stores in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. We continue to add new stores and new services to meet the needs of our valued customers. In August 2023, Fleet Farm opened a new store in Muskego, Wisconsin.

What is the Ellison lawsuit against Fleet Farm? ›

Minnesota gun control legislation nears finish

In October 2022, Ellison sued Fleet Farm for five claims related to straw purchasers, alleging it "negligently sold firearms, aided and abetted these criminals, and contributed to gun trafficking in Minnesota by allowing guns to get into the wrong hands."

Is there a difference between Fleet Farm and farm and fleet? ›

A: Blain's Farm and Fleet and Mills Fleet Farm are two different companies. There never has been any business or family connection between them.

Did KKR sued over Fleet Farm restructuring after $1.1 billion deal? ›

Members of Fleet Farm's founding family sued KKR & Co. , claiming the private equity giant wrongfully restructured the retail chain to get around payout and veto rights they retained after selling most of it for $1.1 billion. The lawsuit also targets three Fleet Farm board members appointed by KKR.

Who bought out Quality Farm and Fleet? ›

Quality Farm Stores Inc. of Muskegon, Mich., the former parent of the chain, is closing the stores as part of a buyout by four investor groups, namely, Tractor Supply Co., Great American Group, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC, and DJM Asset Management, LLC.

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