Tractor Supply Co. managers 'can't wait to get it open'

Enthusiasm was contagious during last month’s Roane County Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show, and nowhere was it more evident than at the vast Tractor Supply Co. exhibit.
An array of lawn and gardening tools and supplies, bird feeders and decorative items interspersed through the area gave Roane Countians a preview of what they can expect to see and buy when the retailer moves into its new home in Rockwood.
“We open May 14,” said James Linger, receiving manager for the new Roane County store. “We’re real excited — can’t wait to get it open.”
Linger and Rockwood Store Manager Susan Brown greeted a steady stream of customers during the show. They fielded questions about their products on display, distributed glossy company catalogues resting in a nearby wheelbarrow and celebrated the opening of the Rockwood store with potential customers who voiced their eagerness to see the doors open.
Many who didn’t stop by gave shout-outs to the two managers with a wave of the hand as they passed.  
Tractor Supply initially hired 15 workers for the Rockwood store in Roane County Center at 1496 N. Gateway Ave.
Those employees started training last week at a store in a neighboring county, and Linger said the company will potentially hire more people in the coming weeks.
The physical structure of the store in Roane County Center is also coming together. Remodeling to the facility that now houses Flea World is under way to allow both businesses to occupy the space.
Linger said interior work, including floors and shelving, was scheduled to start last week to coincide with the exterior’s completion.
The Brentwood-based Tractor Supply Co. caters to a clientele interested in farming, ranching and home improvement.
Products offered include clothing, horse and pet supplies, tractor and trailer parts and accessories, lawn and garden supplies, sprinkler and irrigation parts, power tools, fencing, welding and pump supplies and riding mowers.
Tractor Supply Co. has more than 1,000 retail stores in 44 states.
Visit www.tractorsupply.com for more information about the company.

Cheryl Duncan

Rockwood Tractor Supply Co. Store Manager Susan Brown and Receiving Manager James Linger, right, take time to answer a potential customer’s query during their store’s exhibit at the Home and Garden Show.

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Cheryl Duncan

A Huskee cultivator attracts the interest of Steve Douglas at the Home and Garden Show.

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