- Scott's Bio
- Phil's Bio
- Kris's Bio
Scott's Bio
With roots in Petaluma, he branched out at Wyatt.
Scott Leytem grew up in Petaluma, graduated from Casa Grande High, and attended Santa Rosa JC. He worked in several fields before he decided to study accounting, and then landed a job at Wyatt 13 years ago.
This man can wear many hats.
Scott began his career at Wyatt splitting his time between accounts payable and inventory control. After a few years, Phil told Scott that he could choose any position he'd like. For the next three years, he served as the branch manager of the main store.
Keeping Wyatt Supply in supplies.
When a purchasing job opened up, Scott applied and then became the purchasing manager for all four stores. For the past eight years, he has done the majority of purchasing for Wyatt. "I love crunching the numbers, looking at historical data, and meeting the challenge of keeping just the right amount of inventory." He also likes the freedom Phil Wyatt has given him. "He trusts me. I decide how to spend his money, and a lot of employers would be looking over my shoulder. But Phil knows I'll do what's right for the company."
It all adds up to the perfect balance.
When he's not working at Wyatt, Scott likes to golf, hike, and camp - and he enjoys the fine wines the region offers. He and his wife have three grown daughters, and two grandsons. What's he most proud of? "That's easy," he says. "I'm so proud of our girls. We did the best we could do, and they turned out really great. And now it's fun being a grandpa, too."
Phil's Bio
Family Connections
Phil Wyatt is a native Californian and a descendent of Salinas Valley farmers. His grandfather settled in Sausalito, and his father helped build the Golden Gate Bridge. Phil put his own spin on their family legacy of farming, building, and connection by opening Wyatt Irrigation Supply in Santa Rosa in 1982.
Learning by Doing
"After high school I took classes at the School of Hard Knocks and ended up in manufacturing hard plastics," he says. "I built tool and die parts for everything from aerospace to toys. And I built a lot of pipe." He enjoyed working with people, so he gravitated toward sales, selling for several irrigation companies for many years before he opened Wyatt.
How to Grow a Business
Phil had a vision: "We started with landscaping irrigation supplies and three employees. I lived here and knew this community well. I felt that as a local owner/operator, if I focused on customer service and product knowledge, we could be successful." Successful they were - and still are today. The company has grown to 30 employees and three stores. Over the years, Wyatt has expanded its inventory for the fields of agriculture, fire protection, and plumbing, as well as leading the industry in design, sustainable living, and erosion control.
Proudest Moment
When asked what he's most proud of, Phil doesn't hesitate. "I'm very proud of my five kids and my niece and nephew that I helped raise. I'm close to all of them. As a father, that's what it's all about." He adds that he's also proud of his employees. "In many ways, we're like family. I remember what it was like to be an employee, and how I wanted to be treated. That's how I treat the people who work here. If it weren't for each and every one of them, Wyatt wouldn't be where it is today."
Kris's Bio
Meet Kris Ammerman.
Kris Ammerman was born in Redwood City, lived for 20 years in Ukiah, and recently moved to Healdsburg. She began working for Wyatt in 1995 in inside sales, then became the branch manager for the Ukiah store. Two years later, she took several years off when she became the mother of twin girls. She returned as an outside sales rep, serving landscape and agricultural producers in Lake and Mendocino counties for the past nine years.
The woman is an irrigation guru.
Kris is the company's only outside sales rep who covers both landscape and agriculture, with an emphasis on vineyards. She has to know both industries from the inside out, and has a vast knowledge of design principals and product capabilities. She works hand-in-hand with both the CAD designer and the client to create irrigation systems that make the most effective use of water, with an eye on water conservation and cost - and of course, on ensuring that the plants and businesses thrive. "Kris knows her stuff," Phil Wyatt says. "She doesn't just sell, she's creative and she's a teacher. Our clients get great systems and they learn something in the process.
Her next challenge is in her own backyard.
Wyatt's customers aren't the only people that get to benefit from her expertise. Kris teaches Landscape Irrigation at Mendocino College. And now her own family of five is renovating their new home - and a desperately needed new irrigation system is high on the list. "I may be my own best customer when we get done with this project!" she jokes.
Blending motherhood and career.
Kris is proud of her ability to balance time for her family and the work she enjoys, a balance she might not have found working with another company. "Phil has been extremely flexible, allowing me to find the right job that I could excel at and work and still be a good Mom. I feel very lucky."