Sarasota distributor grows by over 50 employees through acquisition

A Sarasota irrigation, golf and grounds equipment distributor recently acquired a 110-year-old company. 

A press release from Wesco Turf states the acquisition of Hector Turf, Deerfield Beach, went into effect Aug. 1. Both companies are distributors for Minneapolis-based The Toro Co. 

“We are excited to welcome Hector Turf into Wesco’s corporate portfolio,” Wesco Turf President Billy Gamble says. “Hector Turf has strong brand equity and market-leading share across key business categories in south Florida and the Caribbean. 

“Former principal of Hector Turf Jim Mantey left behind an impressive legacy that will live on through this merger of outdoor power equipment equals. Hector Turf and Wesco Turf have worked together as peers for decades and this union will further enhance our ability to provide customers with a seamless experience.” 

The move is expected to provide additional scale to Wesco Turf’s business, as well as complement each company’s service offerings for clients. 

“The acquisition of Hector Turf fits into Wesco Turf’s strategic, revenue objectives and mission of creating loyal customers,” Gamble says. “As investments in autonomous and GPS technologies redefine the turf equipment industry, Hector Turf will provide additional horsepower to keep Wesco Turf in a leadership position.”

More than 50 Hector Turf employees joined the team through the deal. The companies will operate under two brands — Wesco Turf in Central/North Florida and southern Georgia, and Hector Turf in South Florida, Puerto Rico and most of the Caribbean Islands. The headquarters will remain in Sarasota under Wesco Turf Inc. 

“We are a natural fit for Wesco Turf, two strong family-owned and operated businesses,” Sandra Mantey, Hector Turf’s co-principal and current president, says. “I believe the Mantey family legacy will continue and be greatly enhanced under Billy Gamble’s leadership. I expect this merger to be seamless to our customers. Our employees have found a great new home within Wesco Turf.”