Dave Wendland

Dave Wendland was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan and grew up in Waldheim. Born into the agro service business, he had the business in his blood. He always enjoyed farming and after working for a fertilizer dealer in Alberta came home to do just that. During the winters Dave started selling fertilizer until it became more than a part-time thing and farming took a backseat. He started in his dad’s business in 1980 as a labourer. He did many of the jobs in the business because he had a firm belief that you need to know every part of a job to be able to manage it properly. He moved up in the business by listening and learning and attended sales and agronomy seminars put on by suppliers that gave him the confidence he needed to know that he could really run this business. Dave bought into the company and became president of Wendland Ag Services in 1982.

Dave married his wife Debra in 1983 and they now have two kids, a daughter, Kirby, and a son, Bryce.

As a second generation Wendland in the company upholding the family legacy is an important aspect of his business. Dave has said that it’s enjoyable watching the next generation to see if they want a part in the business, but that it’s equally important that his kids go out and find their own path and if it brings them back to the business it would be great.

With three other second or third generation businesses involved in the founding of Grow Community of Independents, it is evident the value the group holds on maintaining family ties in business, just as it is important in the industry.