Partner Spotlight: Five Generations of Finch Turf and Still Growing
Few businesses can trace their history across five generations. For Finch Turf, that legacy has shaped the way the company approaches customers and partnerships.
A Family Business Since 1945
Founded in 1945, Finch Turf has grown from a family-run business into a well-established golf and sports turf distributor, serving customers across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. More than 80 years later, the family remains actively involved in the business, ensuring the principles that built the company continue to guide its future.
“My brothers and I are fifth generation in the company,” said Shannan Finch Hidey, Vice President of Marketing. “A huge part of our legacy is our team. We have several people who have been a huge part of our story.“
Spotting an Opportunity in Golf
Finch Turf began as a John Deere dealership in Medford, Maryland. In 1987, John Deere introduced its first line of golf course equipment.
“My dad heard about the opportunity and thought, ‘I think that’s going to be a big part of our future,‘” said Shannan. “From then on, we found a lot of success in the golf and sports turf space.“
As Finch’s presence in the golf and sports turf market grew, so did the importance of building strong partnerships. The company looked for brands that shared its commitment to long-term relationships, technical expertise and customer support.
That search led to Redexim.
“We don’t just take any brand on,” said Paul Schultheis, Vice President, Sales. “We really saw some synergies between how Redexim operates and how we operate. Ultimately, they’re a family business and we’re a family business.“
For Finch, a partnership means knowing the people on the other side of it. With Redexim, that has grown into a genuine friendship alongside the business relationship.
Finding a Partner in Redexim
“I think the icing on the cake has been getting to know the De Bree family personally,” said Shannan. “We feel an immediate connection because of our similar backgrounds as multi-generational family-owned businesses.”
Beyond the shared family-business values, the partnership has helped Finch continue to grow its presence. Finch Turf offers the Redexim range across its territory, from Northern Virginia to Maine, giving the team more to offer both existing and new golf and sports turf customers.
“When we sell a piece of equipment, we don’t look at ourselves as a vendor. We look at ourselves as a partner,” said Paul. “Companies like Redexim allow us to do that and be everything for these customers.“
A Partnership Built on More Than Business
Finch Turf traveled to the Netherlands to celebrate Redexim’s 45th anniversary with the De Bree family.
Reflecting on the relationship, Redexim co-owner Justine de Bree said:
“What makes our partnership with Finch so meaningful is that it is built on much more than business alone. We share the same values, the same respect for people and relationships and the same long-term commitment to supporting our customers. As a fellow family business, we feel a genuine connection with the Finch family and have great appreciation for the remarkable company they have built across generations. Celebrating Redexim’s 45th anniversary together made that connection even more special, turning the evening into a memorable moment we will truly cherish.“
For Finch, none of this happens without a clear set of principles guiding how the company does business, principles that have carried through every generation.
“I think a foundation of honesty and integrity has been passed down through the generations,” said Shannan. “We don’t compromise on that. We have to do what we say we’re going to do and mean what we say.“
Golf courses and sports facilities across the Mid-Atlantic and New England can find their nearest Finch Turf location at finchturf.com.