At Blain's, Jane Blain Gilbertson named chief

Jane Blain Gilbertson assumed the role of CEO and sole owner of Blain Supply and Blain’s Farm and Fleet, taking over from her brother Robert Blain who will retire June 25. 

Janesville, Wisconsin-based Blain’s Farm and Fleet was founded in 1955 and operates 35 farm and ranch locations in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. The company employs about 4,000.

In a statement announcing the transition, Blain Gilbertson added, "This has always been a family business, and it will continue to be a strong, family owned business. It was especially important to Robert, me and our respective families that we remain a close family as well through this transition, which we have already accomplished. 

Robert Blain has served as president of the company since the death of Bert Blain in 1993.

During Robert’s 20 years as president, the companies opened stores in seven new markets taking the store count from 28 to 35 in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. The company also completely replaced eight existing stores with new facilities and underwent dozens of store expansions and remodels during that period. 

The company will open its 36th store in Dubuque, Iowa, this fall.