09/10/2026
Grand True Value Rental Changes Ownership
PARSONS, Kan. — Grand True Value Rental announced today the sale of the business. GTVR has been in business in Parsons since 1992, originally founded under the name Grand Rental Station as an adjunct to Crooks Hardware. It was renamed in 2023 to reflect the purchase of the franchise name by True Value.
Three partners started the business; only Leland Crooks remains, as the others have retired. “I've been really proud of the service we've provided to Parsons over the last 33 years. It's a unique business that requires a fairly unique skill set to operate. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a local buyer with the requisite skills. Keeping the ownership of this business local was very important to me. So many of our local businesses have been sold to out-of-town corporations or gone out of business,” said Crooks.
The new owner, Drew Ellis, brings a new set of skills and experience that will accentuate the services Grand True Value Rental provides. Drew is a native Parsonian; both he and his father were customers of both Crooks Hardware and Grand True Value Rental over the years. “I'm really excited to take on this challenge. I've wanted to operate my own business for many years. This is a good fit for me and my family,” said Ellis. “When Leland said he was thinking about selling, I jumped on the opportunity.”
Crooks' future includes plans to continue on as a city commissioner. He also operates an online business, SpeakerHardware, which he will continue to run. “Time to kick back a bit — 50 hours a week is getting to be a bit much at 67. My speaker business is located in one of GTVR's buildings, so I'll still be around some to advise or help Drew if he needs it.”
