The Story of Western Sales
The Beginnings
Glen Thrasher built a small shop at 122 - 2nd Ave. W. and was awarded a John Deere farm machinery contract in 1947. The company was called Western Sales and Fred Friend was hired as a manager in 1954. By 1964 the dealership needed more room. Glen already owned the former Co-op building and arranged to move it from 123 Railway Ave. to the present site. Glen died in 1965 and Fred Friend bought Western Sales in 1966.
In 1979, Western Sales (1979) Ltd. completed an expansion of its facilities. The expansion gave Western Sales a total of 28,000 sq. ft. under one roof, an increase of more than 14,000 sq. ft. over the buildings original size. The additional floor space allowed one of the most efficient shops of its kind in West Central Saskatchewan. The General Manger at the time was Doug Friend.
The building that was partially demolished to make room for the expansion had been dated as far back as 1935, a John Deere building although Western Sales Ltd. itself didn't come into being until 1947. The original site was First Avenue West in Rosetown.
Moving to the Present Location
Fred Friend, Doug Friend's father, took over as manager of the original Western Sales Ltd. in 1954 at the First Avenue location, Western Sales moved to its present site in 1964 and Fred Friend bought the business in 1966. Eventually, area dealerships have joined the group, in 1975 the Elrose dealership opened.
In 1980, Western Sales placed fourth in sales of new John Deere farm machinery and by 1981 Western Sales was in the John Deere President's Club for 14 years.
Fred Friend retired in 1979 and his sons took over until 1986 when Grant Henderson, Grant McGrath and Doug Slimmon assumed major ownership and management of operations. The new group expanded Western Sales (1986) Ltd. to Biggar in 1988 and Outlook in 1991.
In 1997, Western Sales celebrated 50 years as a John Deere dealership, currently operating branches in Rosetown, Elrose, Outlook and Biggar.
The dealership has always played a large role in the community they serve. Whether it be loaning tractors to pull floats in parades, providing equipment for sports days or Western Sales staff volunteering for the many community project, the dealership always took its role in the communities seriously. In 1994 Grant Henderson and Grant McGrath saw there was a need for a bus in the community for minor hockey. So, Western Sales bought a 47 passenger bus and currently operates the bus for the community.
Grant McGrath Assumes Leadership
In 2000, Grant McGrath assumed the role of President and General Manager of Western Sales and later that year appointed Jason Hintze sales manager.
In the fall of 2003 the dealership began the most comprehensive renovation and construction phase in its 57 year history. Beginning with the tear down of the original building, which held the parts department, the Rosetown facility began its ‘metamorphosis’ you might say.
A new 4500 sq. ft parts warehouse replaced the old, and the 4500 sq. ft. front showroom and offices were completely renovated. Holding to the Western Sales vision of tomorrow, an 8400 sq. ft. indoor show room was added to display new John Deere equipment. Above the show room a 1750 sq. ft conference room was added to accommodate customer and staff training and product presentations. Equipped with the most state of the art video and audio equipment, this two level conference room will be the host of many future meetings and training sessions.
In June of 2004, Western Sales was host to a very special visit by Mr. Doug DeVries, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Agricultural Sales of Deere and Mr. Dick Yanke, Senior Vice President of Parts Marketing both of Deere and Company, Moline, Illinois. Both of the senior officers of Deere were quite impressed with the facility and the vision of Western Sales.
Many changes have come and gone over the years but one thing remains constant, Western Sales' commitment to customer satisfaction, before and after the sale is made.