Reynolds Farm Equipment rises above retail industry challenges to become a Top Workplace
It has been a particularly rough couple of years for the retail industry.
COVID-19 brought with it lockdowns and continued changes in consumer behavior. Though 2021 offered hope with the rollout of vaccines and a reopening of the economy, the “Great Resignation” impacted employment across the country. This year, beleaguered retailers have struggled with ongoing supply chain issues.
See all the winners: Here are your 2022 Top Workplaces winners in Central Indiana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the retail sector lost nearly 800,000 jobs in 2020 alone.
Through it all, Central Indiana-based Reynolds Farm Equipment has not only survived but thrived. And for a fifth consecutive year, Reynolds has been selected as a Top Workplace in The Indianapolis Star’s survey of Central Indiana employers. The company, founded in 1955 by husband and wife farmers A.W. and Arline Reynolds, is the only retailer to make this year’s list.
“It’s been a weird couple of years,” said Reynolds CEO Michael Bode. “It’s been really busy and we’ve had to adapt. And it has put a lot of stress on our employees, who have done some amazing things.”
Bode worked for Reynolds for nine years and led the company’s golf and turf division before it was sold to South Carolina-based Greenville Turf and Tractor in early 2020. Though he briefly left the company for Greenville Turf, the Columbus, Indiana, native returned as CEO in June 2020 when Gov. Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order was still impacting how many retailers operated.
Reynolds’ advantage during that time was being classified as an essential business. As a retailer of equipment for farmers, homeowners, landscapers and commercial contractors, Reynolds remained open, even though it closed its showrooms for a 40-day period, by creating curbside parts pickup and delivery. Ultimately, the company was immune from the layoffs that plagued other retailers.
“Anything that was connected to agriculture was deemed essential because the world still has to be fed,” Bode said. “And the state of the industry now means our customers have some money to spend on fleets that really need updating.”
Though supply chain issues have created areas of stress, particularly in the parts division, the demand has fueled an approximate 10% growth in Reynolds’ total employment and created new career paths and opportunities for its employees.
Bode said the company tries to be “as diverse as possible” in its benefits offerings beyond the standard medical, dental, 401Ks and paid time off. The company is always reviewing the “Reynolds perks,” which include an annual “health day” for wellness visits and 20 credit hours of paid training for employees. In 2021, the company gave every employee a Christmas stocking filled with gadgets and toys for their children and spouses.
“What makes us stand out is that we have heart,” said Victoria Menale, Reynolds’ director of human resources. “We are willing to do what it takes to make sure our employees and customers are taken care of. We say it’s a family business because it’s family owned, but our employees are our family.”
With five locations in Indiana, Menale also says each location is different and has created its own “family within the family” where no workplace culture is the same.
“Each store has created a culture that works for the employees at that location,” Menale said. “I think that’s something that really unique about our company.”
Employees also are briefed on the state of the business, and Bode says it’s important that employees understand how the company is doing so that they know their roles are important and they’re part of a team.
“Culture is very important to us,” Bode said. “We’re always looking to improve it. We know it’s never perfect. You’re never going to make everybody happy, but we’re always working to make sure everybody’s happy. If you’re always trying to do the right thing, you’re never really wrong.”
Bottom Line
Founded: 1955
Central Indiana locations: 6
Description: Reynolds Farm Equipment is a leading equipment dealer serving farmers, homeowners, and landscapers in Indiana.
Employees in Central Indiana: 250
Michael Jackson is a local freelance consumer journalist.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Reynolds Farm Equipment thrives as Top Workplace despite industry woes
