IN THE heart of rural America, where the fields stretch wide, and community ties run deep, Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stands as a vital hub for those who till the land and tend to their animals. In communities like Lincoln County, where changing seasons and the demands of the land set the rhythm of life, the local TSC is the go-to destination for all things essential. The shelves of TSC hold the solutions to the daily challenges faced by those who call the countryside home, from livestock feed to farm tools and work apparel to pet care products. It’s where shared knowledge and experiences go in and out the automatic doors and where the staff and customers aren’t strangers; they’re part of the same team. TSC’s employees understand the unique needs of rural life.
Donna Renegar, leader of the TSC team at the Fayetteville store, is a familiar face to customers and explains just how much the store’s customers are part of their team.
“If we’re doing tasks, like freight, or anything like that, we stop everything we’re doing and engage [the customer] to make sure they know they’re important and have everything they need,” she said.
The store’s commitment to exceptional service is evident through the dedicated efforts of Renegar and her team, ensuring a positive and supportive experience for shoppers. The united focus on customer service demonstrated by Donna and her teammates, Cheri, Donette, and Adeline, underscores the strength derived from working together to meet the variety of needs of the company’s customers.
These are the seeds that, when cultivated over time, lead to a harvest of future employees who become experts. Renegar said they often hire from their customer base.
“It makes the conversation so much easier [during interviews]. Hiring customers helps us a lot in product knowledge, so we can better serve our customers because we have employees with livestock farms, tractors, and [related experiences].”
After graduating from Grissom High School, Renegar’s experience owning horses led her to her first job with TSC. She and her husband, Steve, have two horses and cattle on their farm today, and she’s always learning.
“My customers have taught me a lot about the tractor [part] of it. There are lots of things I definitely wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t for them. I love to learn from them, and I learn something new every day.”
She quickly knew she’d found work she loved. She is now in her 15th year with the company.
“About two weeks in, I knew I wanted to be with this company, and I definitely wanted to be a manager. It was my goal for sure,” she said.
Renegar is quick to credit her team with maintaining their community connection.
“I have a very solid team, and they actually enjoy what they do. We have a lot of fun. I really enjoy this store. I enjoy my customers and know a lot of them by name. I try to learn everybody’s name; the bond is better that way, on a first-name basis.”
We’re far removed from the days of barn raisings and quilting bees. Digital devices guide planting and predict the weather that impacts the crops, but we’ve lost a little something as we’ve advanced — the personal touch. Friends now consist of lists on social media, and we interact face-to-face less than ever.
The value of being called by your name transcends register transactions; it affirms the connection to the community. This simple yet profound act is a cornerstone of the store’s shopping experience. It’s a place where you’re not just another customer but a familiar face, a neighbor, and a friend. Renegar and her team understand that each name spoken is a nod to the shared journey of rural life, a reflection of the bond that makes TSC a gathering place where friendships flourish, cultivating an environment where every customer feels at home.
The Fayetteville TSC is a living, breathing part of the rural community it serves. Through leaders like Renegar and her dedicated team, it transcends a retail space as a place where each name spoken is a testament to the bond that makes this store a trusted neighbor in the heart of rural life. GN
