About Us
Hayward is a family-owned 2-step distributor focused on dealers in the outdoor power, small engine, ag, construction, forestry, hearth, and rental markets. We operate six warehouses across 27 states with a 90 person team, about a third of which are in the field supporting dealers. We make it easy for dealers to do business with us.
Long-Time Industry Insider Knowledge Lets Us Solve Your Problems Quickly.
- Our team is loaded with industry knowledge. Half our team has over a decade of industryexperience. About 15 team members have worked at dealerships, and 6 have run them. Working at Hayward, we have 10 or so farmers, another 10 or so who have worked in landscape orconstruction, and multiple mechanics.
- We have dealt with thousands of dealers and hundreds of manufacturers, so we know how things work.
- We all hope there are no issues, but when there is, we know how to resolve it quickly and easily.
Stable And Established.
- Hayward was founded in 1947 and is over 75 years old. Our J.S. Woodhouse division started in 1843. From Woodhouse’s original location, there would have been a view of the Statue of Liberty… except Lady Liberty had not been built yet.
- As a family-owned business, we have multi-generational relationships with dealers. We take a longview focused on keeping dealers in business, not the next earnings call.
- We are one of a small number of central distributors that have been trusted by world-renowned brands such as Honda Engines since 1982 and Bobcat since 1986.
Reliable, Consistent And Flexible Back-End Support.
- We have the systems to ensure the day-to-day activities are handled reliably and consistently.
- You can expect 95% fill rates, on-time and accurate same-day shipments with next-day deliveriesmost places, and answered and returned phone calls.
- We keep tens of millions of dollars of inventory and can provide appropriate in-house credit and/orwork with established long-term floor plan relationships.
- Order how you want to (website, EDI, API, fax, phone call, text, chat...letter) and receive it how youwant (truckload, LTL, FedEx, UPS, mail, company flatbed truck, will call).
Provide Dealerships Opportunities To Grow.
- With over 90 lines in multiple categories, we provide lots of options to grow your business and fillout your product offering.
- We bring sales leads to dealers and do everything we can to help close them for you.
- Our field team augments your sales team with support at open houses, shows, local fairs, or otherevents as requested.
Local Presence For Your Dealership.
- About 30 field team members live and regularly travel throughout our coverage area. We operate 6 locations with about 230,000 sq. ft. of indoor space.
Our Founder
Mr. D. T. Hayward (pictured on the right) began the company as Ohio Ford Tractor in 1947. He was born in Springfield, Ohio and spent his life as a sales and marketing specialist dedicated to support of retail outlets. Known for his wit and gentlemanly manor, Mr. Hayward successfully guided the organization through three decades. An avid golfer, a mentor to many and a recognized business leader, he left his mark on several industries in the Columbus area.