​GFW is Privately Owned & Operated

    In the 1920s, George Groenewold established a chicken and egg trading business in German Valley, Illinois. His son, Grant, was born in 1931, and the family soon relocated to Forreston, Illinois. Over the following years, George and Grant traded in a variety of commodities and products, including Allis-Chalmers tractors, scrap materials, and nursery stock, before ultimately establishing their focus on fur and wool in the late 1930s and 1940s.

    In 1958, George sold the business to his son, Grant, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company's history. Under Grant's leadership, the business expanded significantly. In the 1960s, Grant began exporting fur internationally, laying the foundation for Groenewold's emergence as a global participant in the fur trade.

    The fur boom of the 1970s and 1980s brought unprecedented growth. However, the dramatic decline in the fur market in the late 1980s presented a new set of challenges. Rather than retreat from the industry, Groenewold responded by expanding into new international markets, particularly in the Far East, Eastern Europe, and Russia. As competitors consolidated or exited the industry, Groenewold strengthened its position and became an internationally recognized force in the wild fur trade.

    Entering the 1990s, Groenewold was well positioned for the next period of growth. During this decade, Grant was joined by his two sons, Greg and Guy, who helped lead the company into a new era. The strong market conditions continued for many years, and Groenewold made substantial investments in production capacity and infrastructure.

    Greg played a particularly important role in the company's development. As he took on responsibility for running the business, he implemented rigorous quality-control processes and helped develop and refine Groenewold's grading system. That grading system ultimately became an industry standard and remains an important part of the company's reputation for quality.

    The growth cycle continued until 2014, when the fur market once again entered a period of significant decline. That same year, Guy Groenewold assumed leadership of the company. Once again, Groenewold adapted to changing market conditions by developing new markets, refining its systems, and finding innovative ways to remain competitive in an evolving industry. These efforts further strengthened Groenewold's position as a leading name in the wild fur trade.

    Gary Groenewold joined GFW in 2010, after being a missionary in Germany. Gary focuses on buying fur domestically, and trading wool, fur, and deer hides internationally.

    In 2019, Bryce Kubly led the expansion of our fur-buying operations into Canada, strengthening our ability to source quality fur and meet growing customer demand. This expansion helped diversify and increase our supply base, allowing us to better serve our customers while creating new opportunities for business growth. By establishing a stronger presence in the Canadian market, Bryce helped expand our reach, increase purchasing capacity, and position the company for continued growth.

    Today, Bryce Kubly leads Groenewold Fur & Wool, bringing an old-school trading philosophy together with a forward-looking approach to the future. With a deep respect for the company's history and an eye toward the next opportunity, Groenewold continues to operate and grow in both the fur and wool industries.

    As Groenewold Fur & Wool embarks on its second century, the company remains committed to the principles that have guided it for generations: adaptability, quality, relationships, and a willingness to embrace the next opportunity.