7/30/02

By MARK POWELL

Intercourse, Pa.-based Hoober Inc. completed its purchase of Seaford, Del., Tull Brothers’ farm equipment division July 1. The purchase does not include Tull’s popular Gift & Garden Center, which will relocate by March 2003 — perhaps next door on Stein Highway.
The business deal expands Case-IH dealer Hoober from three locations (Intercourse, McAllisterville, Pa.; and Middletown, Del.) to four. Hoober got its start in Intercourse, with Charles “Bud” Hoober getting the business running in 1941.
Tom Yohe, Hoober’s general manager, said the family-owned ag equipment dealership would be keeping most of the staff at Tull Brothers. “They have a lot of experience. We want to maintain the business that they’ve built.”
Tull’s is a Seaford landmark. Yohe sees Tull’s as a business like Hoober. “We hire people who care about farmers and their business, willing to make it happen selling parts and providing service.”
Hoober has about 180 employees at its locations. Tull’s has about 13 at its ag equipment division.
Robert C. Tull and Earl M. Tull started the business in 1930 selling seed. Then they opened a feedmill in 1933. They also farmed, managing one of the highest record Holstein herds. In 1939, the family got into the equipment business, selling International Harvesters. According to Ben Tull, who managed the farming equipment business for the family venture, the business moved into its current location on the western edge of town in 1949.
Ben is the son of Cecil B. Tull and grandson of Robert C. Tull. Other family members involved with the busines are Earl Tull and Gary Johnston. Ben will remain with the ag equipment side, managing the location for Hoober.
Tull said his family wanted a larger dealership in Seaford. They felt bringing in Hoober would be good for the business’ customers.
Yohe said Hoober will serve customers the way the Tulls served them, with lots of personal attention.