Mann Farm and Ranch Inc. has been a landmark at its location on Industrial Road in Cleburne for many years. Recently the Manns felt the time was right to sell the business and gave it over to a broker to find a suitable buyer.
In a example of synchronicity, Robby and Nicolynn Cook were looking to leave Dallas and the frantic life of corporate America.
The connection between the Manns and the Cooks began some time in September, and both the Cooks are amazed at how smoothly the transition went. The move became permanent two weeks ago and their daughters, ages 14 and 18, are still behind in Highland Village, north of Dallas waiting for the end of the school year and for the construction of their new home. Robby’s mother will also join her son and his family once their new home is complete.
“I love how everyone knows everyone else here,” Nicolynn Cook said. “It’s so different from the fast-paced life around Dallas. It’s been truly a blessing from God and a prayer answered for us that this whole thing has gone so well. It’s been an amazing process to see Him at work.”
The new owners have taken an if-it’s-not-broken-don’t-fix-it attitude toward their new business.
“There are always challenges,” Robby Cook said. “The employees have been just wonderful and all of them are staying. The Manns have done a phenomenal job building this business, so we’ll be keeping it as it is.”
Robby Cook has, until now, been globe-trotting with businesses like Rockwell, for which he dealt with a full line of horticultural greenhouse products and, earlier, with ConAgra for 17 years. Nicolynn Cook’s childhood involves having “grown up in a store just like this.”
The new owners said they don’t worry about competition.
“We’ll be sticking to what we do best — customer service — and I think we’ll do just fine,” Robby Cook said. “It’ll really be great when they put that new traffic light in at the end of Industrial Road.”
Earl Harris, who runs the janitorial part of the operation, was nonplused by the change in ownership.
“I really liked working here when the Manns were the owners, and I know I’ll really like it now also,” Harris said. “These are some really nice people.”
Former owners Sam and Dorothy Mann could not be reached for comment.
Michael Mager can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2338, or features@trcle.com.
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