Bennett Water Systems and Gar Tootelian have officially parted ways, ending their five-year merger as both companies aim to pursue distinct business strategies. Effective July 31, 2023, this decision marks a pivotal shift for the Central Valley agricultural sector, where the two companies previously collaborated to enhance farming solutions.
The merger, which took place on January 1, 2020, was initially intended to create a comprehensive agricultural services provider, combining Bennett Water Systems’ irrigation and pump services with Gar Tootelian’s expertise in crop care and nutritional advice. Tyler Bennett, CEO of Bennett Water Systems, emphasized that the separation was amicable, stating, “It was two families that just wanted to go back to their core businesses and saw the future a little bit differently.”
After nearly six years of joint operations, the leadership of both companies concluded that they could better serve their clients independently. Bennett Water Systems, based in Selma, California, has approximately 25 employees and operates from a facility covering about 15,000 square feet. The firm’s focus remains on providing reliable irrigation and pump services, as well as fertilizer and chemical solutions in California and Hawaii. Bennett highlighted the company’s commitment to addressing farmers’ challenges in nutrition, water, and energy efficiency.
In discussing the separation, Bennett explained their approach to client relations. “We sit down and we listen. We ask a lot of questions about the problems they are having on their farms.” He emphasized the importance of understanding farmers’ input costs and operational efficiencies to provide effective solutions.
The original merger was announced in November 2019, and it aimed to leverage the strengths of both companies. At that time, a press release quoted Greg Musson, CEO of Gar Tootelian, expressing enthusiasm about the partnership: “The merger of Bennett Water Systems with GAR raises the bar… Together, our opportunities are endless.”
Yet, despite the initial optimism, the leadership teams recognized that their visions for future growth diverged. Bennett noted, “We did something. We tried it. We had a lot of fun and now let’s go our separate ways. There is no negativity or animosity.”
Bennett Water Systems aims to integrate advanced technology with practical fieldwork. “We believe in using the latest technology and strive to be innovative, but only when it’s paired with a service program that keeps boots on the ground,” he remarked. This dual approach has helped them tap into a growing demand among farmers, who are increasingly looking for comprehensive solutions to enhance productivity.
The agricultural industry faces ongoing challenges, particularly with fluctuating commodity prices for products such as almonds and wine grapes. To mitigate these pressures, Bennett Water Systems has expanded its offerings from irrigation into fertilizer and energy services, ensuring they remain essential to farmers’ operations.
Talent acquisition remains a critical issue for Bennett Water Systems. Bennett acknowledged the difficulties in finding qualified personnel who are proficient in cutting-edge technology, despite proximity to the tech-centric Bay Area. He noted the potential of leveraging remote talent from around the globe. “We want to have the experts to help figure out how to make our business more efficient in everything we do,” he said.
Looking ahead, the company is committed to enhancing its service offerings while maintaining a focus on integrity and creativity. “If farmers aren’t making money, we aren’t going to make any money,” Bennett concluded, reinforcing the fundamental connection between their success and the financial viability of their clients.
