Who is Primera?
Primera is a member-owned cooperative committed to growth-oriented distributors and best-in-class supplier partners collaborating to exceed the market and stay ahead of the competition
Member Spotlight: Vereens Stores Inc
” We are one of the only women-owned Turf Distributors. We pride ourselves on being a family company and not corporate. We work hard but play hard.” -Mindy Vereen-Jackson, President
History: We started in 1962 with a small general store. When the golf boom happened in the 70s in the Myrtle Beach area, our founder Frankie Vereen knew he could provide the same great service and support to the growing golf market that he had done for over 20 years for the ag market. Thus the phrase Farming to Fairways was born. We now distribute in 5 states and growing, and by the end of 2023 will have three retail locations as well as our own fertilizer blending facility. We service and supply golf courses, professional turf managers, construction, agriculture, and homeowners. We have been in business for 61 years and counting! We have remained a family-owned business since day one and are hoping to have the next generation join us. We are focused on being the vendor of choice for anyone managing turf in the Southeastern United States. We are focused on increasing our business in the Sports Turf, Lawn Care operators and Retail Store segments. We also remain focused on improving on our “Second to none” level of customer service and support.
The People: Two years ago, we established a Strategic Plan to help guide us into the next 60 years. We plan to continue our growth in current and emerging markets. One of our key objectives is recruiting and retaining talented people at all levels in the Company. We have been fortunate over the past couple of years to have found some great people to join us and help us reach our goals. Our employees love working for us because we like to have fun while working hard. We have a saying in our company from Sales reps all the way through. We want to make doing business with us EASY while also enjoyable. If we are having fun and enjoying our jobs, then customers in turn, should enjoy their interactions with us.
Supplier Spotlight: Mountain View Seeds
“Being a Primera supplier has allowed us to promote our products to several customers we otherwise would not have been exposed to. Subsequently, we have formed great partnerships with many of them. We also consider being a Primera supplier as one of the keys to further growth and expansion. In addition, we have made a number of great friendships within the Primera family. We value the ability to communicate and collaborate with our Primera partners”.
History: Pratum Co-op was founded in 1946 and brought together the best farmers in the grass seed capital of the World, Oregon’s’ Willamette Valley. In 1988 Mountain ViewSeeds was founded to manage demand for Pratum’s private variety production and to help promote and market the exceptional seed produced by these growers. Mountain View Seeds’ strategy was simple; licenses varieties from the best turfgrass breeders and then produce them with farmers that understood the importance of consistently providing clean, quality seed. The formula hasn’t changed since then. MVS is devoted to developing grass seed of the highest genetic quality. We continually look for varieties with improved resistance to disease and pests. With a full spectrum of turf varieties, we can fulfill your seed needs. Our history in the industry ensures a consistent supply of high-quality products you and your customers can count on. We are celebrating our 25th year in business!
Market Focus: At Mountain View Seeds our primary market focus is high-quality grass seed for all users. Our strong relationships with universities and research facilities (PEAK and PARC) allow us to bring the most advanced genetics to market. But good genetics are not enough; our vertical integration with Pratum Co-op and their network of top producers allows us to consistently provide the quality and supply PRIMERA members demand. From golf to sports fields, sod farms, and home lawns, our products deliver.We have several innovative products; Lateral Spread technology, Gray Leaf Spot resistance, salt tolerance and A-LIST approved products, just to name a few. As an industry leader in innovative products, we are constantly looking for solutions to turf managers’ problems. While today it might be low-input, high-quality varieties, tomorrow it might be carbon sequestration, but you can rest assured that MountainView Seeds will be the industry leader no matter what the needs might be.
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Our History
Since the company’s inception in 2001, a large number of the industry’s leading distributors and suppliers have joined Primera in an effort to exceed the market in terms of growth while enhancing their efficiency and profitability. In our 21 years as a cooperative, we have continued to evolve in order to better meet the needs of our members. Beginning in the early 2000s, Primera set out to establish the company’s reputation in the industry. In order to accommodate the growing number of new Member-Owners and Suppliers joining the co-op, Primera implemented a customer-service business strategy for our membership during the ensuing decade. In 2020, we took steps and made a commitment to become the industry’s foremost strategic partner for both our Member-Owner Companies and our Supplier Partners.
Our Values
Integrity – Conduct business following the highest ethical standards. Stay true to yourself while cultivating trustworthy relationships. Always act openly and honestly with good intentions. Keep your word and take responsibility for the outcomes.
Mindset – An uncompromising commitment to achieving one’s full potential. Consider and implement innovative concepts. Drive cutting-edge data solutions. Encourage innovation in order to achieve exponential growth.
Performance & Accountability – Simplify in order to speed up the achievement of our goals. Prepare for, respond effectively to, and drive change. Keep your attention on the things that matter, and act. Perform in ways that are above and above what is expected of you.
Collaboration & Teamwork – Respect and thrive on each facet of diversity. Consider all relevant factors before making decisions. Work together to increase the value provided to customers. Communicate effectively in order to get meaningful results.
At Primera, we are motivated by a quest for excellence that is embodied in our vision, mission, and values. In order to achieve our goals, we institute stringent membership requirements and form strategic partnerships with best-in-class suppliers that provide products and services of the highest quality.
Join Us Now
Learn more about becoming a Primera Distributor or Supply Member