Grateful: one year anniversary

One year ago, this week, I had the great honor of stepping into the role of President and CEO of Tractor Supply. I knew it would be a year that I would never forget, but I never anticipated how grateful I would be to join the Tractor family.

2020 was a year of rolling disasters – a global pandemic, an abrupt economic recession, the killing of George Floyd, the burning of California, numerous hurricanes, and an acrimonious election. These tragedies have brought upheaval, uncertainty, and grief throughout our country. But in the midst of these tragedies, we have also witnessed extraordinary courage, determination, and compassion as we all strove to overcome challenges and maintain some sense of normalcy. As I reflect on the year that has profoundly altered our lives, I have much to be grateful for.

I am grateful to be part of a purpose-driven organization. As I prepared for my arrival at Tractor Supply, I read about the company’s mission and values. Our mission is to “work hard, have fun and make money” and it is supported by a well-developed set of values that guide our actions. Over the past year, I’ve seen our incredible culture rise to the challenge. When visiting stores and distribution centers across the country, I’ve observed Team Members going the country mile to take care of each other and serve customers. I’ve heard from many customers who are thankful for our presence in their communities. And I’ve witnessed us embrace diversity and equality, commit to action to advance our culture, and rally around the theme of STRONGER TOGETHER.

I am grateful to all of our Team Members, particularly those on the frontline. Our Team Members are at the heart of our relationship with our customers, and protecting their health and well-being has been our utmost priority over the course of the pandemic. We have spared no expense to implement industry-leading best practices, including systemic testing, contact tracing, and case management. We have provided appreciation bonuses and permanent increases in wages and benefits. We also supported our Team Members families with a company-wide family pizza night, Chromebooks for virtual school, and seasonal appreciation kits.

I am grateful that we play an essential role in the lives of our customers. Our customers depend on us to help them take care of their family, home, land, livestock animals, and pets. To meet their rapidly evolving needs, we rolled out new services like curbside pickup and same day delivery, and launched a mobile app. Through the third quarter of 2020, our net sales had increased nearly 26% compared to the previous year. To keep up with demand for our products, we hired more than 10,000 new Team Members. To give back to our communities, we launched the Tractor Supply Foundation with funding of $4 Million, and joined the Rural Broadband coalition.

I am grateful that we have significant opportunities for growth. We participate in a $110 Billion market. We are committed to emerging from the pandemic even stronger than before. Our Life Out Here Strategy builds on our strong heritage with investments to broaden our customer reach and increase our market share. We will do this by enhancing our product and service offerings, continuing to grow new stores, investing in our existing stores, and expanding our digital capabilities. We are well positioned to become an even more integral part of our customers’ lives.

I am grateful for Tractor Supply’s forward-thinking leaders who have preceded me in the CEO role and put the company on such a strong foundation. My transition into the company was smoothed by having two months of overlap with my immediate predecessor, Greg Sandfort. In the early weeks of the pandemic, Jim Wright, who served as CEO from 2004 until 2012, talked with me about our investments over many years in doing the right things for our Team Members, our customers, and the communities we call home. I also had the good fortune in November to visit a Tractor Supply store with Joe Scarlett, who served as CEO from 1993 until 2004. As we walked the store and talked to Team Members and customers, it was a privilege to discuss with him the principles that have guided the company’s past and that will continue to guide us into the future.

I am grateful to my wife and our three kids. They adapted, made sacrifices, and we grew as a family. We moved to Nashville in the middle of a pandemic. Our kids started a new school wearing mask and with social distancing. In many ways, we rediscovered the joy of family bonding through dinners, game nights, hikes, and other activities.

On my first day as CEO, I wrote that “it is a great time to be at Tractor Supply.” One year later, I am even more convinced of that. As we start the new year still in the midst of a global pandemic and a web of other challenges, reflecting on what we’re thankful for is even more important. I am grateful that we have a bright future ahead, and I’m excited about the work we are doing to realize that bright future -- through a continuing commitment to our customers and to each other.