
BUSINESS NEWS
HydroChem Spray Services, a provider of residential, commercial and industrial spray applications in central Kansas, will transition to new ownership in 2025. Jeff and Megan Barney will take over the company from longtime owners Mike and Rhonda Snyder, marking the next chapter for the business.
Founded in 1982, HydroChem Spray Services has provided lawn care, fertilization, weed control and bare ground control services for more than 40 years. Mike Snyder, who built and managed the business for more than four decades, will remain with the company as operations manager.
“We were approached by several larger companies interested in buying HydroChem, but I wasn’t comfortable with that,” Snyder said. “We wanted the right person—someone who values what we’ve built and will continue to operate HydroChem with the same commitment to quality and service. Jeff was the right fit, and I’m excited to see what he brings to the company.”
New ownership, same commitment
The Barneys, who live in Stafford County near Hudson, bring agricultural roots to the business. Megan is a fourth-generation farmer, and Jeff has worked in grain and transportation for ADM Grain since earning a degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University. The couple and their three children are active in Calvary Baptist Church, St. John-Hudson Rec, Stafford County Economic Development, FCA and 4-H.
Jeff said the opportunity to own a business while remaining involved in the local community made HydroChem a natural fit.
“HydroChem has been a successful, customer-focused company with a great reputation and a dedicated team,” Jeff Barney said. “We’re not here to make big changes—our focus is on maintaining the trusted service HydroChem has built over the years.”
While there may be internal adjustments with new ownership, HydroChem’s services and customer programs will remain unchanged. The company may expand services in the future, but its core mission will stay the same: providing effective, science-backed treatments to maintain healthy outdoor spaces.
“Mike’s knowledge will stay within the company, and we have a great team of employees who know what they’re doing,” Barney said. “Customers can trust that HydroChem is in good hands.”