Blain’s Farm & Fleet in a first with its new president
Blain’s Farm & Fleet has given one of its senior leaders an additional title.
The company has promoted Mark Hasting to president and chief commerce & operating officer. He has been with Blain’s Farm & Fleet for more than three years and previously held the role of chief commerce & operating officer. In his new role, Hasting will increase his responsibility to include demand planning and supply chain and will act as a strategic partner to CEO Jane Blain Gilbertson in leadership of the family-owned company.
Hasting’s appointment marks the first time a non-family member has taken on the role of president in the 68-year-old company. But the retailer noted that this does not mean that it is backing away from its strong commitment to remain family owned. Jane Blain Gilbertson will remain CEO and sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply.
“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,” she said. “Mark quickly earned our whole company’s confidence with his authentic care and vision and has shown he is a leader of real substance.”
Previously, from 2012 to 2019, Hasting served as COO of c-store chain Kum & Go. Prior to that, from 2010 to 2012, he spent two years as regional VP at Starbucks Corp. Before Starbucks, Hasting was with Target Corp. for nearly 20 years.
“Mark always has the customer experience in mind,” said Sarah Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson and customer relationship marketing specialist at Blain’s. “He has proven that he really understands the Blain’s Farm & Fleet culture. I am so happy to have him take on a greater role within our organization.”
“My sister and I have made a commitment to keep Blain’s Farm & Fleet family owned,” added Nicole Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson. “That is important to us and to the company culture“I remain invested in the future of this special company my grandfather and great uncle founded in 1955. I’m confident Mark will continue to do a wonderful job of stewarding that culture as he moves into his new role as president.”
Founded in 1955, Blain’s Farm & Fleet operates 45 stores throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan.