Wisconsin 275
Wisconsin 275
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Jane Blain Gilbertson

Executive chair and owner
Blain’s Farm & Fleet  |  Janesville

Jane Blain Gilbertson is executive chair, sole owner and retired CEO of Blain’s Farm & Fleet’s 45 stores, located across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan, and Blain Supply Inc. The Janesville-based, family-owned companies currently employ 5,500 associates. Blain Gilbertson joined the family business in 1985 and progressively took on responsibility for areas including marketing, merchandising, buying, e-commerce and store operations. Following the death of her father and uncle, she and her brother bought out the remaining family shareholders in 1998. The siblings ran the business together for 16 years, until Blain Gilbertson bought out Robert, and she was named CEO. Ten new stores opened under her leadership. In September 2024, she retired as CEO.

Education: Bachelor’s, Miami University

Highlights from the last 12 months: “Extremely successful succession of our president Mark Hasting to CEO and mine to executive chair and owner.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin? “Lower tax rates to attract and retain more businesses and great talent.”

Your secret talent: “Baking schaum tortes – first recipe I learned to make while in kindergarten.”

First and most recent concert: “Boston. Pink.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Other Leading Industries | Retail
Owner and CEO
Blain’s Farm & Fleet  |  Janesville

Jane Blain Gilbertson became chief executive officer and sole owner of Janesville-based Blain Supply Inc. and Blain’s Farm & Fleet in 2014, succeeding her brother, Robert. The family-owned retail store chain today has 45 stores across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan and employs about 4,400 people.

Blain Gilbertson joined the family business in 1985 and progressively took on responsibility for areas including marketing, merchandising, buying, e-commerce and store operations. Following the death of her father and uncle, Blain Gilbertson and her brother bought out the remaining family shareholders in 1998. The siblings ran the business together for 16 years, until Blain Gilbertson bought out Robert in 2014 and he retired.

In recent years, Farm & Fleet has grown steadily, expanding into Michigan; adding new locations in its home state, with stores in Grafton, Rhinelander and Monroe; and renovating several existing stores. Blain Gilbertson has said the company’s goal is to have 50 stores by 2026.

Over the years, the retailer has also diversified, evolving from its origins as a discount supply store primarily serving farmers to a chain of stores that sells items across various categories, from home goods to clothing to outdoor recreation equipment.

Education: Bachelor’s, Miami University

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