The BLADE, an internal quarterly newsletter publication for W.S. Connelly employees. If you have any submissions for the next edition please send to dani@wsconnelly.com
A W.S. CONNELLYNEWSLETTER THE BLADE
Patrick W. Connelly Chief Executive Officer patrick@wsconnelly.com Kevin M. Connelly President kevin@wsconnelly.com Brandon Funk Chief Operating Officer brandon@wsconnelly.com
FAMILY OF COMPANIES
David Snyder Executive Vice President-Branch Operations & Safety david@wsconnelly.com
Mark Hedstrom Chief Financial Officer mhedstrom@wsconnelly.com David Allelo Controller dallelo@wsconnelly.com
We will be closed on and the following days are paid holidays. Friday 7/4/25 Independence Day Monday 9/1/25 Labor Day
Kyle Bickling Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing/ kbickling@wsconnelly.com
Regina Aultman Human Resources Manager regina@wsconnelly.com Andrew Paquette Director of Technology Services ITsupport@wsconnelly.com
W.S. Connelly & Co., Inc. Headquarters 2501 Oak Lake Boulevard Midlothian, VA 23112 804-744-5445 www.wsconnelly.com
THE BLADE SUMMER 2025 SUMMER 2025
Roo t ed in Val u e s , G r o w ing w i t h Vi s ion
Greenville Gatherings: Spring Fun at the Corbin Turf Branch
This spring marked a season of incredible growth for WS Connelly as we proudly welcomed two new partners into our network: Noble Turf and Twin Oaks Environmental. With Noble Turf, we’re thrilled to expand into the Northeast, a key region in the turf industry, and with Twin Oaks Environmental, we now have a strong presence in Alabama, further solidifying our reach across the Southeast. What makes these partnerships especially meaningful is how closely Noble Turf and Twin Oaks share our core values — a commitment to strong customer relationships, trusted expertise, and doing business the right way. These are companies that care deeply about the industries they serve and the people they serve them with — just like we do. We’re excited for the future and proud to welcome these teams into the WS Connelly family as we continue to grow, together.
Spring was in full swing at our Corbin Turf branch in Greenville, where the team made the most of the season with a mix of celebration, competition, and community spirit. We kicked things off with a heartfelt farewell to two beloved team members, Stacy and Joe, as they headed into retirement—we thank them for their years of dedication and wish them nothing but the best in their next chapter. The team came together for a cheerful Easter lunch at the branch, had some fierce competition on the miniature golf course (bragging rights still being debated!). We also had the opportunity to sponsor and participate in a local golf tournament, proudly representing Corbin Turf out on the course and in the community. With beautiful spring weather on our side, it was a season filled with laughter, gratitude, and good times—just the way we like it here in Greenville.
Making a Splash!
Landscape Supply Wins “Friend of the Program” Award”
June also marked the official launch of our brand-new online storefront: www.wsconnellyshop.com. We’re making a splash this summer—literally—by partnering with Splashbrands to bring you a streamlined, user-friendly way to shop for apparel across all W.S. Connelly brands. Whether you’re with Landscape Supply, Corbin Turf, Twin Oaks Environmental, or any part of the WSC family, you can now order gear online with no approvals, no payroll deductions, and quick delivery straight to your doorstep within 3–5 days of shipping. It’s a fresh, fun, and easy way to rep your brand and show your WSC pride as we head into summer.
Landscape Supply was recently honored with the “Friend of the Program” Award from Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Technology Program, recognizing our ongoing support, partnership, and commitment to the next generation of industry professionals. We’re proud to invest in the future of agriculture and the leaders who will shape it. Jared Russell and Eric Spurlock received the award on the company’s behalf. Great job Team!
THE BLADE SUMMER 2025 SUMMER 2025
G r o w ing Sma rt e r : Enhancing C y be r Safe ty Ac r o ss W . S . Connell y
Let’s be honest — most of us wouldn’t dream of leaving our phones unlocked. We protect them with face ID, PINs, thumbprints, and maybe even a little paranoia. Why? Because there’s important stuff in there. Now imagine what’s on your work computer — customer data, company plans, financial info — things that need just as much protection, if not more. As our company continues to grow, so does the need to take cybersecurity seriously. Andrew Paquette, Director of Technology Services and Paul Meyer, IT Support and Infrastructure Support here at W.S. Connelly will be working with all divisions, branches, and staff members to ensure the safety from cyber threats. Here’s what’s coming soon to help protect all of us: 1️ ⃣ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 2️ ⃣ Phishing Email Training 3️ ⃣ Computer Security Updates Cyber threats don’t wait, and neither can we. Your cooperation matters — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s lock it down. 🔒 ITSupport@wsconnelly.com
Spring has been full of momentum at Tenbarge Seed! The team hosted an educational event in New Albany, welcoming customers for some hands-on learning and good conversation. Over in Indy, a brand-new Tenbarge billboard is now shining bright for all to see. The crew also enjoyed a well-earned baseball outing with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, and is already gearing up for the summer seed and fertilizer educational event. Lots of learning, laughs, and sales to be made—it’s shaping up to be a strong season!
We’re excited to announce that our 2025 Early Order Meeting will be held in beautiful Greenville, South Carolina—home to Corbin Turf and known for its vibrant downtown, scenic trails, and Southern charm! From September 2–5, over 85 attendees, including our sales teams, managers, and valued supply partners, will come together for a week of planning, connection, and collaboration. Fun fact: Greenville’s award-winning Main Street features more than 100 restaurants and shops, and the stunning Falls Park on the Reedy sits right in the heart of downtown—making it the perfect spot for work and a little well-deserved fun. We can’t wait to see everyone there and kick off another strong season together!
THE BLADE SUMMER 2025 SUMMER 2025
Chesapeake Valley Supports EarthFest with Black - Eyed Susan Seed Ball Activity with Black-Eyed Susan Seed Ball Activity
David Allelo Named Controller for W . S . Connelly for W.S. Connelly We’re excited to announce that David Allelo, formerly with Ameriturf and Green Industries— one of the most recent partners to join the W.S. Connelly family—has been named Corporate Controller for W.S. Connelly. A licensed CPA, accounting (E&W) and financial leadership across manufacturing, sales and distribution, and construction. His expertise in planning, forecasting, internal controls, and compliance will We ’ re excited to announce that David Allelo , formerly with Ameriturf and Green Industries — one of the most recent partners to join the W . S . Connelly family — has been named Corporate Controller for W . S . Connelly . A licensed CPA , David brings extensive experience in public accounting ( E & W ) and financial leadership across manufacturing , sales and distribution , and construction . His expertise in planning , forecasting , internal controls , and compliance will be a key asset as we continue to grow and integrate our expanding operations . Please join us in congratulating David and welcoming him into this important role ! integrate our expanding operations. Please join us this important role! TAKE WSC WITH YOU ON VACATION ! TAKE WSC WITH YOU ON VACATION! Wear your WSC branded logo and take us with you on vacation. Snap a photo and send to us for the next newsletter. .
Chesapeake Valley was proud to contribute to the University of Maryland’s EarthFest (Maryland Day) by donating Black-Eyed Susan seeds—Maryland’s state flower—for a hands-on, eco-friendly activity enjoyed by attendees of all ages. Visitors had the chance to create seed balls by combining native wildflower seed with clay, forming a fun and effective way to promote local pollinator growth. The clay acts as a natural carrier, helping seeds stay put and retain moisture for better germination. The best part? Once the seed ball is formed, you simply toss it on the ground, walk away, and wait for Mother Nature to do her work. In just a few weeks, Black-Eyed Susans will begin to bloom, adding beauty and biodiversity to the landscape.
Dani Fink recently went to the Utah Mighty Five National Parks and got some cool pix at the Mesa Arch and White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP Utah- with her WSC gear of course!
THE BLADE SUMMER 2025 SUMMER 2025
The Richmond-area LSI teams and their families hit the stands for a fun-filled night at The Diamond, cheering on the Richmond Flying Squirrels as they hosted the Harrisburg Senators in their 1,000th game celebration! While the scoreboard didn’t end in a W for the home team, spirits stayed high as everyone went NUTZ with laughter, camaraderie, and some seriously in-your-face fireworks to cap off the night. It was a fantastic evening of baseball, family, and Flying Squirrels fun—making memories that were definitely a grand slam! Richmond LSI Team Goes NUTZ at the Diamond!
Walker Supply Hits It Out of the Park with Customer Event at the Ballpark
Walker Supply stepped up to the plate this spring by hosting a fantastic customer event on May 15 at Peoples Natural Gas Stadium, where attendees enjoyed America’s favorite pastime as the Altoona Curve took on the Harrisburg Senators. Before the first pitch, the Walker team warmed up the crowd with an all-star educational session featuring Scott Orndorff of Hydrasmart and Jack Higgins of EarthWorks. The topic? "Carbon-Based Fertility vs. Liquid Fertility: How These Two Philosophies Work Together in a Holistic Fertility Program." It was a powerful double play of insight and innovation, helping turf pros understand how to build a winning fertility strategy by combining both approaches. After the knowledge session, it was game on—complete with great company, ballpark bites, and plenty of laughs. Big thanks to everyone who came out and made it a home run of a day!
Baby News at ECS! Charlotte Grace Belmonte
5/21/25 6:07 am, 8lbs 6 oz., 21 inches Loved by Dad Nick, Mom Kaitlyn and Big Sisters Caroline and Elizabeth love her so much! Congrats to All.
OUR REPUTATION IS GROWING ! OUR REPUTATION IS GROWING!
From June 16–20, W.S. Connelly teams across all divisions brought the energy, creativity, and team spirit for our first-ever Spirit Week— and they did not disappoint! Each day came with a new theme: 🎸 Throwback/Retro Day, 🤠 Western Day, 👕 Division/Team Day, 🌺 Beach/Luau Day, 🎩 Crazy Sock/Hair/Hat/Outfit Day From bell bottoms and bandanas to beach shirts and big hats, everyone brought their A game. It was a blast seeing teams let their hair down, have fun, and still get the job done—working hard and playing harder. We’re already looking ahead to Spirit Week 2026, scheduled for May 18–22, with big plans in the works—including a goal for every
branch to host a food truck and for even more team-wide participation. Get ready to bring the SPIRIT again next year!
TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK VISIT HERE:
TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK VISIT HERE:
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