Fall 2025
A W.S. CONNELLY NEWSLETTER THE BLADE
Contacts
Louis Bacigalupo Chief Executive Officer louis@wsconnelly.com Brandon Funk Chief Supply Chain Officer brandon@wsconnelly.com
family of companies
Mark Hedstrom Chief Financial Officer mhedstrom@wsconnelly.com Kyle Bickling Executive Vice President of Sales kbickling@wsconnelly.com David Snyder Executive Vice President Operations david@wsconnelly.com David Allelo Controller dallelo@wsconnelly.com Regina Aultman Human Resources Manager regina@wsconnelly.com Andrew Paquette Director of Technology Services ITsupport@wsconnelly.com
The Blade is a quarterly publication on behalf of W.S. Connelly, spotlighting the people, projects, and progress across our family of companies. Have something to share? We’d love to hear it— email W.S.Connelly newsletter communications@wsconnelly.com.
THE BLADE
SPRING 2026 SPRING 2026
CEO Corner with Louis Bacigalupo Louis Bacigalupo
Winter is (mostly) behind us, and March proved to be incredibly busy for our company—thank you all for your hard work during the busiest month of the year. After a slow start earlier in the year due to tough weather conditions, we are well poised
for a strong growing season this spring and summer. Growing the business in three not-so-easy steps…
In the past few months, I have spoken with many of you and our business partners about our path forward to grow the company in the coming years. There are three important components to our plan, and you all play an important role in our success. First, we will continue to serve our customers at the highest possible level, with product availability, short delivery cycles, and excellent technical support for challenging customer problems. With the strong relationships our sales team has fostered, we will gain market share and expand our product sales to both existing and new customers. Second, we will partner with strong companies in areas where we don’t currently have operations or sales teams in place, bringing on like-minded professionals to serve customers where we don’t today or to add capabilities that do not yet exist within the W.S. Connelly portfolio. The recent partnerships with Stephens and Sigma Organics are great examples of these initiatives. Finally, we will actively seek opportunities to start new operations with our own assets and launch those sites to better serve customers. Great examples of these efforts are the Indianapolis location and our warehouse in Atlanta. The team in Atlanta represents our willingness to invest in facilities, processes, and people to build the business in new locations. I am pleased to announce that this month we will begin full operations in Atlanta to serve this important market with our dedicated facility and local sales team. To be successful in these efforts, we need enthusiastic people, strong processes, and modern systems to support our growth. While these initiatives are not easy to execute and require a great deal of hard work, I am confident that, with your support, the company will continue its expansion into new markets and provide long-term service to our customers, employees, and communities.
Thank you for your hard work…I am always available on my cell (773) 640-2421 Louis
Employee Spotlight New to The Blade is an employee spotlight featuring members of the WSC family. Each quarter, Louis and the leadership team will recognize members from across the company whose work truly stands out—highlighting the people who go above and beyond and help move W.S. Connelly forward every day. This quarter, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on the following team member: A.J. McClure – Landscape Supply, Driver - Traveled to Indianapolis to support the Tenbarge team with end-of-quarter deliveries when they were short a driver. And, always with a smile. Thank you A.J. for going the extra mile- literally .
A.J. McClure
We also want to shout out to Tenbarge Seed’s Nathan Sochor, Bowling Green, KY, Branch Manager. who stepped in as driver when they were without one and got the job done. And, Steve Schneider, Driver - at TBS Haubstadt , (and two days a week in Indy.) Steve is willing to drive, mow the lawn, work in the service business, sweep floors, and do whatever it takes. Both are great assets to TBS and WSC. Long before most of us log in, our drivers are already out there—loading up, rolling out, and making sure everything gets where it needs to be. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and it doesn’t happen without them. They don’t just deliver product, they keep everything moving. We appreciate ALL you. We are grateful to have each of you on board.
THE BLADE We’re growing at W.S. Connelly.
SPRING 2026 SPRING 2026
Atlanta, we’re coming in Hot! .
We’re proud to open our new Doraville, GA location—marking our official brick- and-mortar presence in the Atlanta market and a major step in our expansion into Georgia. With Environmental Construction Solutions and Corbin Turf operating out of this location, we’re ready to serve the region with the same reliability and know- how that’s carried us for over 80 years.
Since this past fall, we’ve welcomed two new divisions to our family— Stephens Seed & Supply and Sigma Organic , both in the Volunteer State of Tennessee—continuing our focus on thoughtful, strategic growth. Each of these teams brings something important to the table: strong customer relationships, deep product knowledge, and a commitment to doing business the right way. That’s exactly what we look for in every partnership. As we began the year, we’re especially excited about the addition of Sigma Organics, our first acquisition of 2026. Like Stephens, their team has built a reputation centered on service and trust—values that align closely with how we operate across W.S. Connelly. Both teams will continue serving their customers locally, now backed by the broader resources, support, and network of W.S. Connelly. Growth is important—but how we grow matters more. Our focus remains the same: supporting our people, strengthening our culture, and continuing to deliver for our customers every day.
New market. Same commitment. Let’s get to work.
New Address: 6200 Ross Rd N., Doraville, GA, 30340 Branch Manager-Thorin Moriaz
W.S. Connelly – Our Reputation is GROWING.
Walker Supply – A W.S. Connelly Company
Walker Supply is proud to celebrate 35 years of serving the turf and landscape industry—a milestone built on strong
relationships, reliable service, and doing things the right way.
Over the years, that foundation has fueled steady growth, including expanded capabilities, investments in facilities and logistics, and a continued focus on education and partnerships.
Please join us in welcoming the teams from Stephens Seed & Supply and Sigma Organics .
Now as part of the W.S. Connelly family of companies, Walker Supply is positioned for even greater momentum.
With the support of shared resources, a broader network, and a long- term vision for the industry, the team continues to deliver the same trusted service customers have come to expect—now with even greater strength behind it.
Thirty-five years in, the foundation is strong, and the future is even stronger. Congrats to the team at Walker Supply!
Spring is officially here across W.S. Connelly, and with it comes a busy season along with a few important dates to keep in mind. As we move through the coming months, we encourage everyone to take time to enjoy these moments with family and friends:
Welcome to the Team! We’re excited to have you on board at W.S. Connelly. As part of your onboarding, you’ll learn more about our employee apparel program and benefits—including access to our company storefront at wsconnellyshop.com , where you can order division-branded gear. When you’re ready to get started, reach out to dani@wsconnelly.com and we’ll help you get set up. Welcome to the W.S.C. family — we’re glad you're here!
Good Friday – April 3 Easter – April 5 Mother’s Day – May 10 Memorial Day (Paid Holiday) – May 25 Flag Day – June 14
Juneteenth – June 19 Father’s Day – June 21
While the season picks up, it’s just as important to take a step back when you can. We hope everyone enjoys the holiday time ahead—especially Memorial Day as a well- earned paid day to recharge. Happy Spring Ya’ll and may your all have a relaxing and joyful Easter.
THE BLADE
SPRING 2026 SPRING 2026
Playing the Long Game: Pollinators, Solar, and Opportunity
We’re extremely proud to recognize Gordon Kretser of Chesapeake Valley Seed on the publication of his first—and as he joked, probably last—scientific journal article. This work has been more than three years in the making and reflects the kind of dedication and expertise that sets our teams apart. The study explores the role of pollinator habitats within solar farm developments and highlights a key opportunity: when native pollinator habitats are properly established and maintained, they can significantly improve surrounding agricultural production. Findings show measurable increases in crop yields—including soybeans, alfalfa, and sunflowers—when pollinator-friendly habitats are incorporated instead of traditional turf or non-native grass. In some cases, soybean yield improvements alone could represent millions of dollars in added value across the region. More importantly, the research points to a broader gap between intention and execution. While many solar developments include requirements for pollinator habitats, they are not always fully implemented or maintained—creating a missed opportunity for both environmental impact and agricultural benefit.
Gordon Kretser, Chesapeake Valley Seed
This is where knowledge, experience, and the right approach matter.
Through Chesapeake Valley Seed and across the W.S. Connelly family of companies, we are uniquely positioned to help bridge that gap—bringing the right seed, the right strategy, and the right follow-through to ensure these projects deliver on their full potential. As Gordon shared, regardless of your stance on solar development, this is an interesting and important look at how we can better utilize land, support pollinators, and strengthen agricultural outcomes at the same time.
Full Article Here
We encourage you to scan the QR code to read the full article.
LSI Team Visits Syngenta Headquarters
The Landscape Supply team recently traveled to Syngenta’s headquarters in Greensboro, NC for a few days of training and team development. A key focus of the visit was DiSC training , which helps individuals better understand communication styles, how people respond in different situations, and how to work more effectively as a team. The goal isn’t to change who you are, but to better understand how others think and communicate. ( even blindfolded!) Time spent like this is an investment in our people—and ultimately strengthens how we work together and support our customers. Thank you to Syngenta for hosting and providing a great experience for our team.
THE BLADE On the Road: Trade Show & Education Season in Full Swing The start of the year doesn’t just bring a new calendar—it also marks the beginning of one of the busiest and most important times in our industry: trade show and education season. Across the country, our teams have been on the move, representing W.S. Connelly and our family of companies at key events and connecting with customers, partners, and peers. From the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, to Corbin University, Tenbarge Soil Symposium in Louisville, and their Winter and Education Shows, our teams have been actively engaged in sharing knowledge and strengthening relationships.
SPRING 2026 SPRING 2026
At the same time, Landscape Supply teams have been hosting and attending events like TopGolf outings and education events at the Guinness Factory in Baltimore, creating opportunities to connect in a more relaxed setting while still supporting our customers and partners. Out west, we’ve also had representation from ECS and Stephen’s Seed & Supply at IECA in Fort Worth, Texas, continuing to expand our presence in environmental and construction-focused markets. These events are more than just time on the road—they’re an investment in education, relationships, and the continued growth of our business. Whether it’s in a classroom, on a trade show floor, or at a customer event, our teams are showing up and representing what W.S. Connelly is all about.
If you’re out at a trade show, visiting a customer, enjoying a food truck, or even taking some well-earned time off wearing some wsc swag—and it’s Kodak-worthy—snap a photo and send it our way for the newsletter. We love seeing what our teams are up to out in the field. baby, wedding, new home, or exciting news? we want to hear about that too!!
THE BLADE
SPRING 2026 SPRING 2026
From Roanoke to the Rink: Celebrating Championship Hockey and Community Pride
If it felt like everyone was talking hockey lately, you weren’t alone. The excitement surrounding the Winter Olympics—especially Team USA’s thrilling overtime win over Canada to capture gold —has put the sport front and center once again. That momentum is something we’re proud to see close to home. Right here in our own W.S. Connelly family, we have a direct connection to that same passion and growth in the game. Joey Mullen , based out of our Roanoke Landscape Supply location, serves as Head Coach of the Virginia Tech Ice Hockey team—and recently helped lead the Hokies to the 2026 ACC Hockey Premier Division Admiral’s Cup Championship. While not an NCAA Division I program, Virginia Tech club hockey represents the university in the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League, competing within Division II of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. What started in 1984 as a small club has grown into a competitive, respected program, highlighted by a 24-4-1 season last year and now a 2026 championship. Joey brings deep roots in the game. A Roanoke native, he has been part of the Southwest Virginia hockey community since he was just two years old. After playing junior hockey in the Northeast and at Radford, he transitioned into coaching, where he has now spent more than 15 years helping lead and grow the Hokies program. His leadership on and off the ice reflects the same values we see every day—commitment, teamwork, and the drive to build something meaningful. Under his guidance, Virginia Tech hockey has continued to elevate its level of play while expanding the reach of the sport in a nontraditional market.
As hockey continues to grow across the country, programs like Virginia Tech are helping lead the way—and we’re proud to have that kind of championship leadership within our own team.
Congratulations to Coach Mullen and the Hokies on an outstanding season and the 2026 Admiral’s Cup title.
Spring Safety: Pollen & Rising Temps
As we move into the spring season, longer days and warmer weather mean more time outdoors —but they also bring a few seasonal challenges to keep in mind. Pollen Awareness Spring pollen levels can be high, especially on dry, windy days. For those working
outside, this can lead to irritation, allergies, and fatigue. Consider wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear Wash hands and face throughout the day Stay mindful of symptoms and take breaks when needed
Hydration & Heat Temperatures can rise quickly this time of year, especially as we transition from cooler mornings to warmer afternoons. Staying ahead of hydration is key. Drink water consistently throughout the day—not just when you feel thirsty Take breaks in shaded or cool areas when possible Wear appropriate clothing for changing conditions Spring is a busy time for all of us, but taking a few extra steps to stay safe and comfortable helps ensure we can keep doing our best work every day.
THE BLADE
SPRING 2026 SPRING 2026
Chili Cook-Off Season Continues 🔥
Corbin Turf may have kicked things off last fall, but the Midlothian headquarters team decided to keep the heat going with a chili cook-off of their own. Southside also added a dessert bake-off to the fun...and many were glad they did. With plenty of friendly competition, bold recipes, and a few secret ingredients, the Southside team brought their A-game and proved the chili cook-off spirit is alive and well. Congrats to Tracey Winckler- Artis on her winning chili recipe and Raquel Simmons-Prewitt on her most delicious of desserts.
It’s not every day you get a send-off in the newsletter…so you know these two made an impact. We first want to recognize DeWayne King, whose last day with ECS was March 21. After 18 years in Midlothian, DeWayne built a successful career and was a huge part of building the ECS brand into what it is today. Known for his hard work, dedication, and ability to bring plenty of laughs along the way, he leaves behind a strong legacy and a lot of great memories. We wish him all the best as he begins an exciting new chapter starting his own business. We’re also saying goodbye to Jennifer Zinn , whose last day with the W.S. Connelly family is Friday, April 3. Jennifer jumped in at HQ and quickly became the go-to for just about everything—supporting HR, helping teams across branches, and doing it all with a smile. She made an impact in a short time and will certainly be missed. Jennifer and DeWayne — thank you for everything . You’ve both made your mark (and yes, making the newsletter send-off means it’s kind of a big deal). Wishing you nothing but the best, you will always be a huge part of the WSC family—don’t be strangers.
Events like this are a great reminder that while we work hard, we also know how to have a little fun along the way.
If your branch is interested in hosting a cook-off or planning a fun event—whether at your location or company-wide—we want to hear your ideas. Reach out to HR@wsconnelly.com or communications@wsconnelly.com.
We love the creativity and are always up for the fun.
G
Brag Alert
W.S. Connelly just picked up Profile Products’ Fast Lane ESP Growth Award for 2025— recognizing the fastest growth in Engineered Specified Products. In other words…we didn’t just show up, we hit the gas. This one is a direct reflection of the work our teams are putting in every day—growing the business, supporting our customers, and continuing to expand our footprint across the market.
Nice work, team! Pesticide Recertification Webinar Recap
We recently hosted our annual Pesticide Recertification Webinar in partnership with the Virginia Turfgrass Council and Virginia Tech Turfgrass Science Program, bringing together more than 1,000 attendees across multiple states. This two-day event provided valuable education and CEU opportunities, with presentations from leading university experts and industry professionals. Sessions covered a range of relevant topics to help applicators stay informed, compliant, and prepared for the season ahead.
We’re proud to support the industry through continued education and certification opportunities —and even more proud of the team effort that made this event a success. Great work!
We’re On Facebook! The W.S. Connelly Employee Only Page is a new way to share news, photos, updates, and fun moments from across the company. Request to join using the link or search for us on Facebook. Don’t forget to find all WSC divisions on social media and LinkedIn- Like, Follow, Share! This is our cover page!
SEND COMPLETED PUZZLE TO dani@wsconnelly.com
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