Bennett Water Systems and Gar Tootelian have officially separated after more than five years of collaboration, effective July 31, 2023. The decision comes as both companies aim to pursue individual business strategies that better align with their respective goals in the agriculture sector.
The merger, which was initially announced on November 14, 2019, combined two family-owned businesses with deep roots in California’s Central Valley agricultural services. Bennett Water Systems, based in Selma, specializes in irrigation and pump services, while Gar Tootelian, located in Reedley, focuses on crop care and nutritional advice.
Tyler Bennett, CEO of Bennett Water Systems, emphasized that the split was amicable. “It was two families that just wanted to go back to their core businesses and saw the future a little bit differently,” he stated. The leadership teams of both companies concluded that they could better serve their customers by operating independently.
Bennett Water Systems, which has operated for nearly a century, employs about 25 staff members at its 15,000-square-foot facility. The company provides a range of services, including irrigation and pump solutions, fertilizer and chemical services in California and Hawaii, and energy-saving solutions such as well pump rehabilitation and wind machines. Despite the separation, Bennett remains committed to addressing farmers’ challenges regarding nutrition, water, and energy efficiency.
“Helping farmers with their issues in the field requires a simple task: listening,” Bennett noted. He highlighted the importance of understanding farmers’ needs by actively engaging them in discussions about their operational challenges. This approach aims to optimize their input costs and efficiencies.
The merger aimed to integrate the strengths of both companies, allowing them to offer complementary services to the agricultural community. At the time of the merger, Bennett and Greg Musson of Gar Tootelian served as co-CEOs, reflecting a unified vision that promised to enhance crop yields through innovative solutions. “Together, our opportunities are endless,” Musson stated in a press release regarding the merger.
While the companies initially aimed to harness technology to boost agricultural productivity, Bennett believes that a hands-on approach remains essential. He remarked that many tech-driven agricultural firms overlook the necessity of direct fieldwork to ensure that technology is effectively implemented. By combining the latest technological advancements with practical field services, Bennett Water Systems aims to meet the evolving needs of farmers.
As the agricultural landscape shifts, the company is also adapting to the challenges of recruiting qualified talent in advanced technology. Bennett pointed out that despite being near the Bay Area, attracting local expertise in cutting-edge technology has been difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened up a global talent pool, prompting the company to consider utilizing third-party firms to find suitable hires.
“Every move from the company is aimed at adding value to farmers and customers,” Bennett affirmed. He acknowledged the current difficulties in the agricultural market, particularly with declining prices for commodities like almonds and wine grapes. Expanding services beyond irrigation to include fertilizers and energy solutions has been a strategic move to secure growth.
Reflecting on the merger, Bennett expressed a sense of accomplishment, noting that while the collaboration had its merits, both companies are now ready to forge their paths. “We did something. We tried it. We had a lot of fun, and now let’s go our separate ways,” he concluded, emphasizing a spirit of goodwill rather than negativity following the split.
As both Bennett Water Systems and Gar Tootelian embark on their independent journeys, the focus will remain on providing innovative solutions that cater to the specific needs of the agricultural community in California and beyond.
