An Alumni Legacy — Craig Wellspring '72 passes torch of historic Hartville Elevator Company to Christian Ramsburg '12.
After 43 years of ownership, and recently being presented with a 2023 State of Ohio Legacy Award, Malone alumnus Craig Wellspring ʼ72 has retired as owner of the Hartville Elevator Company. However, the story is far from over, as alumnus Christian Ramsburg ʼ12 has been named the new owner, continuing a legacy of Hartville Elevator being a Malone-alumni-owned company.
Starting as a feed mill for dairy farmers in 1909 under Charlie Kennel and Louis Pontius, Wellspring and co-owner Ed Ringer inherited ownership of the business from their fathers in 1980. Together, Wellspring and Ringer led the Hartville Elevator Company to be a “Jack of many trades” that has made an impactful mark on the community of Hartville, Stark County, and the State of Ohio.
Today, equipped with 43 years of Malone-infused leadership and counting, the Hartville Elevator Company continues to excel as a lawn and garden supply store. The company prides itself in old-fashioned service—offering a helping hand to provide products to care for homes, yards, farms, and animals.
“Ed and I would like to thank the community for all their support for these past 43 years,” Wellspring said in an article published by the Hartville News. “We’ve enjoyed our interactions with local businesses, farmers, employees, and the public. We always took their trust in us seriously and tried to live up to their expectations.”
Wellspring graduated from Malone College with a degree in Business Administration. His leadership experience at Malone and during his time as owner of the Hartville Elevator Company has not gone unnoticed. In February of 2024, he was named recipient of the Legacy Award presented by Governor Mike Dewine, and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. A prestigious award from the State of Ohio that highlights an individual's “dedication to making a positive difference in the community, and Ohio, a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
And now, this Malone legacy extends into new ownership through the leadership of Christian Ramsburg. A longtime customer who developed a meaningful relationship with Wellspring.
“In 2018 my mom and I asked the Elevator about making a custom non-GMO poultry and hog feed for our farm, Harmon Creek Farms,” said Ramsburg. “Over the next 4-5 years, I became their biggest feed customer. I knew Craig and Ed had been trying to find a buyer, and I was worried about their uncertain future and its impact on my feed source. Others suggested I look into purchasing the business around 2021-22, but I didn't seriously consider it until late summer of 2023 upon my dad's recommendation when I was in a better position to take on the endeavor. I approached Craig in late August, and over the next few months we worked out a deal which closed in November 2023.”
Ramsburg graduated from Malone University with a degree in Business Administration. Together, the Malone legacy at the Hartville Elevator continues a living example of the Malone mission, “To provide students with an education based on biblical faith to develop men and women in intellectual maturity, wisdom, and Christian faith who are committed to serving the Church, community, and world.”