Sylacauga, Ala. – Pursell Technologies spun off its FarmLinks program as a separate, independent entity to be called FarmLinks LLC.
The new business comprises four divisions: Pursell Farms, a 3,500-acre farm with lakes, streams, forests, rolling hills, mountains, wetlands and wildlife; the FarmLinks Golf Club, a championship 18-hole golf course created by PTI in 2003; an agronomics component, which uses the distinctive property as a working laboratory and research facility where golf products are tested, demonstrated and evaluated under real-world conditions; and The Experience at FarmLinks, a relationship marketing program that brings more than 1,000 turf and horticulture professionals to Pursell Farms and the FarmLinks Golf Club each year for several days of education, relaxation and recreation.
“Given the huge success of FarmLinks, including the golf course and The Experience at FarmLinks, the decision to separate it from PTI is a natural one,” says David Pursell, chief executive officer at PTI. “We have big plans for FarmLinks LLC, and as a separate company, we believe we can propel our unique vision and strong relationships to greater heights. This is an exciting time.”
Erle Fairly and Brent Fuhrman have been appointed to lead FarmLinks LLC, building upon the success and ingenuity of the original FarmLinks concept, which PTI and the Pursell Family created in 1999. Fairly, a PTI employee who has been instrumental in the strategic direction of The Experience at FarmLinks, will serve as president of FarmLinks LLC, with all golf, maintenance and farm operations reporting to him.
“My transition into this new role has been very exciting and challenging,” Fairly says. “Brent and I, along with the rest of the team at FarmLinks LLC, are looking forward to ensuring that the vision of FarmLinks, especially the FarmLinks Golf Club and The Experience at FarmLinks, thrives now and into the future.”
Fuhrman, former director of operations for the programs division of McGriff, Seibels and Williams in Birmingham, brings a wealth of experience to his appointment as chief operating officer of FarmLinks LLC.
“This is one of the most unique business concepts I’ve come across in years,” Fuhrman says. “The marketing of products and services is one of the most challenging aspects of a business, and there are very few new ideas out there. But FarmLinks has created an environment where our partners can connect with target markets in a way that’s mutually beneficial to all involved. Combining education, research and good, old-fashioned southern hospitality is an extremely effective approach. I’m enthusiastic about the future of this company and about the opportunity I now have to make an impact on what we do here at FarmLinks.”
The spin-off closed this month. Under the FarmLinks LLC name and brand, FarmLinks and its divisions will continue to operate at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Ala. Ownership of additional facilities, such as Parker Lodge, will pass to FarmLinks LLC as well. Several FarmLinks LLC employees will continue to work out of the PTI headquarters until a new FarmLinks office is built.
David Pursell will retain ownership of FarmLinks LLC. In addition, PTI will become a cornerstone partner of The Experience at FarmLinks to further this customer-focused marketing strategy and educational facility.
