Western Ranch Supply by Billings Gazette

W O N ! N E P O Western Ranch Supply 7305 Entryway Dr., Billings, MT (406) 252-6692

Western Ranch Supply owners (from left): Shayne Vandivort, Rob Erickson and Keith Robinson. Larry Mayer of The Gazette Staff

Larry Mayer of The Gazette Staff

All photos courtesy of Western Ranch Supply unless otherwise noted.

Walk through the beautiful wooden front doors of Western Ranch Supply (WRS) at 7305 Entryway Drive and it won’t take you long to know you’re in for something special. As you glimpse at the wall, you will see the WRS tribute to Ray Frank. After initially working for owner Tom Warinske, Ray became partners with him in 1957. The first WRS location was in downtown Billings at 303 North 13th Street. It was established in 1954 as a steel building distributor; however, Tom and Ray were quick to note opportunities in farm store merchandising. The switch, completed in 1959, came when a complete animal health department was added. At that time, the most profitable department for them was the manufacture and sale of horse trailers. In 1962 they added a store location in Great Falls, Montana. Ray Frank purchased the stores as sole owner in 1965. With a background in agriculture, Ray knew it was important to the farm and ranching community to personally take the time to sit down

and listen to their needs. He knew what they were looking for and would often be found at the front counter making sure his customers were happy. Ray also knew that the logistics of farming and ranching in rural Montana could sometimes pose a problem, so Western Ranch established its area sales teams that traveled the state of Montana and into Wyoming. With just a phone call, customers could call in their ranching supplies orders to be delivered free of charge to the rural communities, something that is still in practice today. Ray also had the insight to recognize a good employee and in 1998, he handpicked three of his employees to transfer ownership of Western Ranch Supply. Keith Robinson, Rob Erickson and Shayne Vandivort quickly made the stores their own and looked forward to expanding the business. They knew in order to grow they would have to become competitive for the large ranching operations around the state. So they grew their product lines to offer more of what the modern operations where requiring, thus reaching a whole new customer base. They targeted the area with new advertising and are known for “getting the gate” in their television ads. Today Western Ranch Supply has eight salesmen, who travel across Montana, Wyoming, North & South Dakota and parts of Idaho. They continue to publish a bi-yearly product catalog with distribution all over the United States, giving customers easy access to shopping with WRS. Rob, Keith, and Shayne pride them-

selves in the tradition of customer service. Not a day goes by without a customer at their desk inquiring and visiting about the agriculture industry. The partnership thrives with each owner’s distinct product areas. Rob can often be found in the lot selling the many offerings of livestock equipment. Shayne and Keith know the animal health industry inside and out and are always introducing new products to give the industry the best choices in animal health. The vision of expansion came with the need to further expand their products line. In 2012 the vision became reality as they started the planning of the additional location off the Zoo Drive exit. The heritage and traditions of Western Ranch Supply stand strong in the new building with the aged mural wall hanging of a newspaper clipping from the early 1970s. It reads: “While you’re in town for the NILE, we’d like you to stop by and see our new expanded facilities. Enlarged tack and animal health areas make it easier to move around and view all item and products on display. We hope you’ll be pleased with the improvements.” The same sentiments apply at Western Ranch Supply some 40 years later.

Congratulations & Thanks Western Ranch Supply You’re 7 Overhead Doors Strong!

Location Congratulations Western Ranch Supply on your new Location Location

1425 Monad Rd. • Billings, MT • 252-6348

4115 1st Ave. South

406-259-8807

Equipment

Keep your farm or ranch up-to-date with the best equipment on the market. “At Western Ranch Supply one of our primary goals is to provide the highest quality products of water tanks, mixers, panels, gates, feeders, chutes, calf tables, scales, cattle guards, and much more,” says owner and equipment buyer Rob Erickson. “We carry well-known brands like Hoskins, Bul-Tuf,

Two-W, Priefert, Winkle, Pearson and Silencer.” And, additionally, what we do different is that we can help customers design corrals and arenas. The better functioning your corral setup is, the easier it is on the animals. “Our customers have found that by us helping them with their custom layout, we are able to provide a smooth, safe working environment,” Erickson added.

Congratulations!

WeSteRn Ranch SuPPly On the Opening of Your New Facility

Vet Shack

“We know how we got here and who to thank!” This credo is always at the forefront of the owners’ minds at Western Ranch Supply. “With our expanded lines, we feel that it is very important not to forget our ranchers and farmers,” says owner Keith Robinson. The new location, with a separate entrance into the animal health, gives customers an easy access to the extensive animal health products. The animal health entrance boasts the home of our 348

square foot vaccine cooler and checkout area, all uniquely designed as a building front. Expanding the product selection was a huge priority in planning of the new location with supplies for beef, sheep, swine, horse and small animal. The expanded area provides a wide range of animal health products including vaccines, feed, antibiotics, branding supplies, calving supplies, ear tags, numerous show products and much more.

Partnering with Billings businesses like Western Ranch Supply is what we are all about!

www.stockmanbank.com Pictured left to right:

Keith Robinson, Lars Hansen of Stockman Bank, Rob Erickson, Shayne Vandivort

Member FDIC

Congratulations to o

Western Ranch Supply

Westernn Ranch Supply

7305 Entryway Dr., Billings, MT (406) 252-6692

5710 Interstate Ave #8 • Billings, MT 59101 • (406) 655-3576

Congratulations

Western Ranch Supply

Congratulations Western Ranch Supply

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The Corral

Take a walk in the “Corral” and you’ll know you have just stepped into one of the biggest tack stores in Montana. From show supplies to feed—saddles to ropes, Western Ranch Supply has it all in their tack department. Fully stocked ropes from Classic, Fast Back, Cactus and Lone Star make sure your favorite rope is always in stock. Come on by for a saddle fitting. Western Ranch Supply has Billy Cook, Cactus, Circle Y, Reinsmen, Martin, Sulfer River and Tucker saddles. “We also have a large selection of used saddles which have been taken on trade or consignment,” says tack buyer Darrel Wacker. “We have always been known for our tack department and it just got better. Our new store offers everything the horseman needs.” WRS has also focused on the “show” enthusiast with the wide selection of grooming products, halters, clippers, blowers, buckets, and feed. It’s all here!

Congratulations on your new loCation to better serve the big Country!

From Winkel

The Shop

The additional tool, hardware and automotive departments are new product lines for WRS. “We could sell customers a water tank, but didn’t have all the fittings for our customers to finish the job,” says Shayne Vandivort. “With the additional space, we can offer the parts needed to get it all completed!” The new departments include extensive options needed for all aspects of our agricultural consumers’ lives. Welding supplies, lubricants, trailer parts, plumbing, and fencing are only a few of the items we’ll provide for our customers with select brand names including DeWalt, Ames, Apex, Hillman, Husqvarna, Lumax, Uriah and Warren.

Congratulations

Congratulations WRS!

We are proud to be a part of your transporting needs.

Western ranch supply!

Thank you for letting us be a part of your new store!

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The Barn Seizing another opportunity to expand, WRS recognized the importance of animals in our lives. “People are always asking for more pet supplies,” says owner Keith Robinson. “Our new Zoo Drive location gives us the room to stock pet food and pet supplies, including dog food, cat food, fish food, bird seed, rabbit food and more. Essentially, all the supplies you need for your pets are right here at your fingertips.” We also knew it was important to have trusted brands including Purina, Blue Buffalo, Eukanuba, Greenies, IAMS,

Natural Choice, Natural Balance and Science Diet thus giving all the options for your pets diet needs. “The new pet area also gives us an opportunity to introduce Western Ranch Supply to customers that may think we are only for the farmers and ranchers,” says Keith. “We know with this new location we can provide something for all shoppers.” WRS has included a unique selection of bird feeders and food, toys, treats, collars, pet bowls, beds, carriers, fences and weather protection for all your animals.

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The Bunkhouse Expect the unexpected, clothing with a western edge. As seen everywhere on the runway, western fashion truly never goes out of style and is now back hotter than ever. One of the main focuses for the newly-added location was to have a large clothing section for men, women and children. But, the vision went even further with the owners of WRS wanting clothing that crossed the lines of mainstream fashion. We want to be “THE place to go” for the newest in fashion both western and edgy.

Brands like Rock Revival, Big Star, MEK, Cult of Individuality, Roar and Miss Me flank the turquoise tables covered in cowhides. “Anyone can find something unique at WRS,” says owner Keith Robinson. “My wife, teenage daughters and mothers are all enjoying the clothing lines available.” Of course, we haven’t forgotten our roots and feature Wrangler, Cinch, straw hats, boots and an extensive line of Carhartt for our more traditional shoppers.

he herd an t r e h gat the celebratio d n join

aUgUSt 3-10 7305 Entryway Drive, Billings, MT • (406) 252-6692