History: John Day Company Est. 1909
Founder President
John F. Day, Jr. Jere W. Fonda
1945-1974 1974-1998
President Chairman, CEO
The John Day Company is prominent wholesaler and distributor for Industrial and Agricultural supplies. Such goods and services include material handling, safety supplies along with agricultural and industrial equipment. The John Day Company is a 5th generation family-owned business that has remained successful for over 100 years. This was made possible by our dedication to customer support with constant improvements to the way in which our services are provided.
The John Day Company was founded in 1909 and established in 1916, originally named John Day Rubber and Supply Company, originally founded by John F. Day, Senior. Before John Day founded the John Day Rubber Supply Company, he worked in the agriculture industry as a walking salesman. Motivated to start his own company he went into business with several manufacturers to gain profit by selling products such as rakes, hoses, and cutlery. Eventually after gaining enough capital John Day was able to open a warehouse of his own located at 1114 Jackson Street in Omaha, NE; this area was previously known as Jobbers Canyon. John Day eventually started branching out by carrying products that were not only agricultural but industrial as well, spurring the growth into two separate divisions.
In 1974 Jere W. Fonda became the Chairmen and CEO, between the years of 1997-1998 two more divisions were created for safety and material handling. This decision of well-intent was made so that the company could offer more comprehensive and better quality of services for customers. The combination of each division has allowed the company to provide an assortment of over 25,000 unique items. Jere W. Fonda, now the fourth-generation owner believed that the company would move into the next generation through strategic planning, strong organization, and work ethics along with dedicated and enthusiastic personnel.
Partnership
The John day company works very hard to develop partnerships with suppliers to be in the position to offer customers solutions which will keep them competitive in today’s environment. Our company stives to align itself with vendors who are leaders in their fields. These suppliers are available to the company and its customers when technical assistance or training are needed. Creating strong relationships with customers permits the supplier to experience firsthand how their products fit the market’s needs. In addition, members of John Day Company management serve on numerous vendor advisory boards, further influencing product innovation.
Industrial Division
In the early 1990’s, John Day Company made a recommitment to establish itself as a leader in industrial distribution in the region. The company developed an extensive line of quality products to provide the customer a selection to fit their unique needs. Due to the wide assortment of products offered it provided customers one-stop, one-invoice convenience, and cost savings.
The success of the Industrial Division is driven by well-trained employees. Investment in training is constant. For example, here at our headquarters, we have a large training facility for the benefit of employees and end users. The outside sales force is solution-based and knowledgeable in today’s industrial environment. In addition, The John Day Company is proud of the fact that it has one of the strongest inside sales support staffs in the Midwest.
The mission of The John Day Company’s Agricultural Division is to provide quality products and services to the agricultural marketplace. The territory covered by John Day company encompasses the “breadbasket” of America. The outside sales force actively calls on a dealer network in the upper Midwest. While the inside sales force provides a service to dealers throughout the remainder of the United States. The Agricultural Division has been an integral part of John Day Company for over 90 years, and the commitment to put the customers’ needs first will ensure the quality of the products and services the customer has come to expect.
Material Handling Division
The Material Handling Division was a natural extension for The John Day Company. Due to its agricultural and industrial customer base, John Day Company has always stocked a wide variety of products. The positive increase in customer demand necessitated the expansion of several lines, thus allowing for the introduction of several new products to offer.
Safety Division
The need for a Safety Division arose because the company’s industrial customers were seeking vendor reduction. The agricultural dealers were seeking products to protect the farmer and the environment, as well as cost savings through lower insurance rates. Safety products were also required as a part of integrated supply.
