Dick Wagner’s father took over the business from his father in the 1940s. The business at that time primarily served commercial retailers and growers. Several local grocery stores purchased and sold goods from Wagner's.
Once Dick's parents took over, they saw new opportunities for the business. At a time when the area was growing residentially, they tried their hand in landscaping. "My father did most of the landscaping for homes that were built as Glendale was growing," shares Dick. "After all the landscape installations were finished, he got into the power equipment business." Wagner's now offered area homeowners and landscapers a friendly place to purchase power equipment for landscape maintenance.
Dick's parents owned and operated the company until 1972. Since, Dick and his wife Cathy have successfully run the dealership, upholding the family business. After 36 wonderful years, they decided to retire from the business.
The Wagners wanted to see the dealership continue successfully as a well known business in the Glendale area. With that in mind they turned to a long-time customer and friend to carry on the tradition.
Dan Glidden and Janice Bushe of Lakeshore Landscaping Management & Design have been purchasing equipment and landscape supplies from the Wagners for several years. Through the years, they have built up a reputation within the Glendale area as providers of quality landscaping for both the residential and commercial customer. Dan has been helping out at the dealership the past few years, and the Wagners felt he and Janice would be the perfect pair to carry on their business. "They are a great Glendale family and know a lot of the customers," explains Cathy Wagner. "It will be a good transition."
Dan has proven himself knowledgeable of the Glendale area as well as different product lines and categories. The Wagners hope his knowledge and experience will lead to more referrals and future growth for the business. "If you don't have the vision, it can be very difficult to see success," shares Dick. "Dan has the knowledge and resources needed to be successful."
As Dan and Janice transition into their role as owners of the dealership, the Wagners will continue to make themselves available as a resource and remain only a phone call away.
While the ownership may have changed, the level of service still remains at the high level the Wagners prided themselves on providing.
