Marysville Chamber and Main Street is proud to announce that Dr. Arnold Nagely and Dr. Ray Shultz will be honored with the prestigious Legacy Award at the organization’s annual meeting on Saturday, January 11, at Venue 36. This award recognizes their visionary contributions to veterinary care and their entrepreneurial spirit, which have impacted the Marysville community and beyond.
In the early 1970s, Nagely, along with two other doctors, recognized the need for veterinary care in Marshall County. In 1973, they officially established the Valley Veterinary Clinic. Shortly after, Shultz joined the practice, and together they built a foundation that would evolve into an extraordinary business success story.
The seeds of innovation were planted in the mid-1980s, when rural customers began requesting the clinic mail vaccines to their farms. Realizing the potential of this service, Nagely and Shultz envisioned a broader reach, offering veterinary supplies nationwide. In 1985, with the support of the Marysville Advocate, they printed and hand-bound the first Valley Vet Supply catalog, sending 10,000 copies across the United States.
Balancing their veterinary practice, young families and an emerging business, Nagely and Shultz worked tirelessly to expand their operations. They established a call center, a warehouse and a pick-and-pack system—all before the advent of modern technology. Orders were handwritten, credit cards processed manually and checks verified by hand. Recognizing the importance of local economic growth, they opened a retail outlet store in 1994. The following year, they sold the veterinary practice to Russ and Regina Breshears, allowing them to focus solely on Valley Vet Supply.
Pioneers in adopting new technologies, Nagely and Shultz launched a website for Valley Vet Supply in 1999, making it easier for customers across the nation to place orders. They later expanded their offerings to include prescription medications for animals, securing licensure in all 50 states by hiring a full-time pharmacist.
Committed to Marysville’s prosperity, they prioritized keeping their business rooted in the community. In 2016, they hired Omar Hinojosa to lead Valley Vet Supply forward. In December 2021, they sold a majority interest in the company to Main Street Capital of Houston, Texas, while retaining shares to ensure a continued connection to the company’s success.
“Dr. Nagely and Dr. Shultz have left a lasting impact on Marysville,” said Liz Warren, president of Marysville Chamber and Main Street. “Their forward-thinking approach and dedication to the local community have strengthened our economy and set an example of leadership that continues to inspire.”
Nagely and Shultz were chosen to receive the honor because of their vision, dedication and community commitment.
“Their journey from a small-town veterinary clinic to a nationally recognized business is a testament to their hard work and innovative spirit,” Warren said.
The public is invited to the annual meeting; tickets will be available by December 20. Other awards to be presented include Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Business Design and Beautification Award, Black Squirrel of the Year and Outstanding Customer Service Award.
For more information, contact the Chamber and Main Street office at 785-562-3101.
