3 minute read
It’s One Stop Shopping And New Ownership
It’s One Stop Shopping And New Ownership
By Michele Husfelt
When a business venture marries a passionate equine lifestyle, perhaps this best describes Andrew and Isabelle Baldwin’s newest acquisition, Tri-County Feeds, in Marshall.
Andrew’s expertise in real estate development and business acquisition, along with Isabelle’s artistic eye and their combined love for all things equine, made for a perfect match as they became the new owners of Tri-County Feeds.
Isabelle still fondly recalls girlfriends weekend shopping trips to Tri-County years ago when she and her riding buddies would travel to Middleburg for horse shows, which made her very excited for this new venture.
When the Baldwins heard of the potential opportunity to purchase the store, they jumped in their car and drove the two hours from their home in Charlottesville to talk with Bill and Jeri Jackson, the previous owners who started the company in 1978.
As Isabelle recalled, “there was such a kinship we felt with the Jacksons. It was almost like we were them 30 years ago when they started the store.”
It seemed an ideal venture, the first they could do together that aligned with their lifestyle and interests.
“We shook hands in the parking lot and closed about 60 days later,” said Andrew. Already a wonderful store, they didn’t feel the need to go in and change things or make an announcement of new ownership, so the Jacksons closed the store one evening and the next morning the Baldwins opened it as the new proprietors.
Because of the excellent staff already in place, business carried on as usual. In fact, Andrew said, “The employees are really it. They know the community and they are what make the store. They are the reason we can sleep at night, knowing they have everything under control.”
When referring to the store, one must complete the full name to appreciate all it offers. Often referred to as “Tri-County Feeds,” it’s important to finish a name which includes, “Fashions, Finds.”
Focused on providing a one-stop shop for all equestrian needs, Tri-County Feeds, Fashions, Finds is the only place in the area that offers a 12,000-square foot warehouse for horse and chicken feed, hay, and everything else needed for happy barn animals, along with 12,000 square feet of retail, including the latest trends and brands of equestrian care, clothing and accessories, jewelry, home goods, pet care, and an emerging polo section.
Currently, most major shopping places for polo gear are all in Wellington, Florida, which is quite a hike. Andrew plans to put Tri-County Feeds on the map as a complete polo shopping destination.
A few of the many future endeavors include expanding the retail to other areas, including Charlottesville, as well as continuing to enlarge the polo selection.
Isabelle said she’s excited to offer more after-hours events, celebrating local artists and gathering polo players and women from the area hunts. Recognizing the consuming nature of the horse lifestyle, Andrew and Isabelle are eager to carry on the Jackson’s stellar reputation of creating a one-stop destination for, as Isabelle remarks, “all the horse products ‘real horse people’ need.”
So, the next time you need a new polo mallet, some chicken feed, a bale of hay, a horse blanket, a new Barbour wax jacket, some warm socks, a few treats for your puppy, and a housewarming gift for a neighbor, save yourself a lot of time and stop by Tri-County Feeds, Fashions, Finds. It truly is a one-stop shop.
