New Business To The Area

“Why not me?” That was the thought that occurred to Doug Zabokrtsky as he was once again driving to Crete Lumber to pick up fencing supplies.
Doug has spent most of his working life working for others. He spent his whole life managing cattle and building fences. He realized that now was the time to take all these skills and apply them to the dream that was growing in his mind.
Frequent trips to Crete Lumber were necessary to pick up quality supplies. Doug knew he wasn’t the only person who had to make these time-consuming trips. Being someone who believed action was the only way to bring his dream to fruition, he took that step.
Unable to find a location that would meet his specific needs, he looked closer to home. He had a pole shed that was housing his farm equipment. So, starting in mid-September, he began the long process of converting that shed into a viable store. He had the outside space to display equipment and supplies. Slowly Endicott Farm and Ranch Supply was born.
Doug began working with closely with Crete Lumber. The owners became as excited about the prospect of a farm and ranch supply store in this area as Doug himself. They generously provided Doug with guidance and support. They also agreed to become the conduit for much of the supplies for his store.
Realizing that providing supplies to his fellow farmers and ranchers was not fully utilizing his skills, he decided that he wanted to share his knowledge along with said skills. Sharing this mastery through the store, he wanted to continue doing what he really enjoyed doing, fencing and cross fencing.
When he broached the idea with owners of Crete Lumber, they were immediately on board. They placed and order for fiber glass posts that were always in short supply to be filled as soon as possible. Doug began setting up shop, purchasing a chop saw and specialized drill that would turn raw materials into fencing posts. Hence the service portion of the business he began to develop.
“Then as soon as locals heard about me developing this business, I was asked about building fences,” laughed Doug. “I hadn’t thought about it but again, why not me?”
Doug has a strong reputation surrounding his ability to build and maintain high tinsel fences. He has owned and worked cattle in one farm or another his whole life. Managing his own pastures, Doug learned cross fencing pastures increased pasturing potential by 2 to 2.5 times.
“I absolutely love this part of ranching.” He proudly pointed out to his pastures. “My wife and I put those fences in right after we bought this place. That was over 30 years ago.” People, knowing his reputation for his knowledge and skill in fencing, started approaching him about building fences. The second part of this service business was born.
It is taking a while to get things in place, but Doug is now on the verge of opening and his anticipation is steadily growing. He laughed saying he wished he had thought of this ten years ago but he is finally seeing his idea become a reality. “We are open to expanding our supply and/or services as people present us with needs we may not have thought of.” Starting a business from the ground up is hard work but the support of his community and his lifelong interest in farming and ranching is a driving force behind Doug Zabokrtsky and he couldn’t be more ready for you all to see it.