Primera Board of Directors Announcement

With both sadness and gratitude, Primera must announce the death of Board Chairman Michael Kropp Sr., who passed away at 54 on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021. Kropp served on the Primera Board of Directors since 2014 and as Chairman since 2019.  

“Michael will be remembered as an exceptional leader, dedicated to the success of our cooperative, but most importantly, he’ll be remembered by many as a friend,” said Primera CEO Jeff Braun. “Michael led the Board with a tremendous passion for making Primera a leader in our industry. His forward-thinking and vision for what success could be for our Member-Owner and Supplier partners was a driving reason I chose to join Primera. Michael has left his mark on our industry, our Cooperative, and we are all grateful for his invaluable contribution. He will be genuinely missed by all who had the privilege to call him a collogue and friend.” 

Leading Primera through its next chapter, continuing to build upon Primera’s Pillars of Excellence: Growth, Value, Engagement and Influence, Bob Windsheimer, Vice President and COO of Walker Supply Inc, has been named Board Chairman. Windsheimer has served as part of the Primera Board and Executive Committee over the past eight years in different roles, most recently as Vice-Chair. Windsheimer’s experience, combined with Walker Supply Inc’s long history as a Primera member, equates to a leader passionate about continuing to drive a high level of performance for the Cooperative.  

In conjunction with Windsheimer’s appointment, Todd Griebe, Director of Procurement at Target Specialty Products, has been appointed Vice-Chair. Griebe has served on the Primera Board over the last five years and joins the Executive Committee, providing a unique perspective on the future success opportunities for Primera.  

“You strive for your Board of Directors to be a microcosm of your membership. You are looking for diverse experience, knowledge, and perspective when assembling the leadership team, and I believe Primera has established a best in industry Board of Directors to help oversee and elevate our Cooperative,” said Braun. 

Paul Smith, President of Sigma Organics, will remain as Board Treasurer, while Allan Smith, Owner of Atlantic Golf and Turf, will stay as Board Secretary. Andy Keeton, National Turf Product Manager at Ewing Irrigation; Frank Lopes, Owner of Turfnology and Bob Hartman, Turf Director at Central Turf & Irrigation, will continue to serve in their respective Director roles.  

About Primera

Primera is a business cooperative committed to providing our Member-Owners, their Associates, and our Supplier Partners with the tools, skills, knowledge, and innovation that create exceptional returns and competitive advantages that ensure they grow and prosper. Serving professional turf and ornamental, specialty vegetation management, pest control, and aquatic markets. Primera distributors consolidate purchasing across the U.S. to provide national access; unsurpassed, dedicated service, product expertise, and local touch. Our history, values, integrity, and track record shows our steadfast support and commitment to turf, ornamental, and specialty industry participants.