MERITORIOUS
Award Winner: The Spartan Family
S
partan Distributors began representing the Toro product line in 1947 in Michigan and has continued doing so for 75 years. They were also instrumental in the formation of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation in the 1950’s and have remained strong supporters of the golf and sports field industry for their entire history. Originally based in Sparta MI only, Spartan Distributors, led by Warren Schut, Dawn’s father, covered the Western and Northern part of the state. In the early 90’s they purchased Wilkie Turf in Eastern Michigan and Warren, one of the original founders and president of 45 years, retired. Dawn and her husband Bruce then purchased majority ownership and they have been leading the company ever since. Playing a key role in Spartan’s long history of involvement and support for the turf industry is also Kris Early, a graduate of MSU’s Turf Program, and longtime vice president and board member. In prior years John Read and Jack Rogers, key managers within the company, continued to build on past relationships and support the MTF. Along with Toro, Spartan Distributors over the years has provided millions of dollars of both turf equipment and irrigation product to MSU’s Turfgrass program in addition to many other contributions. Dawn, Bruce, and Kris are
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VOL 2
| ISSUE 2
Bruce Johnson, Dawn Johnson, and Kris Early
thankful for the long term partnership and believe the future is bright for those now benefitting from past and current investments.
www.michiganturfgrass.org
