Big Grower July 2023 - 7

FEATURE
born here and opened its doors as a vegetable
producer for local markets. The property remains
a homebase for Smith Gardens and continues to
be used primarily for production of annuals now.
Harry's two sons, Andy and Russell Smith,
eventually took over the business and began to
diversify by slowly adding flower starts in the
spring in the 1950s.
Then Interstate 5 (I-5) was completed in
Washington in 1969, which connected the entire
West Coast allowing year-round access for fresh
produce to be delivered from California all the way
to the northern border of the U.S. This prompted a
necessary shift in the focus of Smith Gardens.
In the 1970s, the third generation took over
Smith Gardens. Terry Smith understood the need
for expansion and implemented changes to its
production operations, pivoting to bedding plants
and potted flowers as its main focus. During this
time, home improvement stores were starting
to build garden centers. " It was a real point of
separation - nurseries that stayed 'retail' onsite,
versus those nurseries who strove to deliver on
demand flowers to big box stores, " Eric Smith,
CEO of Smith Gardens, said. " Our father had the
foresight to 'go big' and begin shipping, versus
keeping a 'flower stand' on the farm. "
DELIVERY ON DEMAND
As the demand from big box stores grew, so
did Smith Gardens. In 1988, 60-acres were
purchased in Marysville, Washington, followed by
the purchase of the Aurora, Oregon, facility over
the next decade.
" Finally in 1999, we vertically integrated
with the purchase of Pacific Plug & Liner in
Watsonville, California, converting it from cut-rose
production to young plants, " Smith said. " We saw
an opportunity to take advantage of the area's
sunny winters and cool summers, and thus Pacific
Plug & Liner (PP&L) was born. "
Today, PP&L provides young plants for brokers
and growers in North America, as well as the needs
of Smith Gardens.
TODAY'S TEAM
" Our greatest strength is in our team's ability
to adapt and grow, which comes from our
intentional development of individuals, " Smith
said. " It's important that each person on our team
understands why their role is important and what
their purpose is in the company - it's best when
teams can put this in their own words and discover
how can we be better. "
The Smith Gardens team attends an annual
spring kick-off event, where it's not uncommon
for 30 to 40 individuals to be introduced in their
new role from internal promotion or new to the
company. " Our motto since the 1960s has been
'Our business is growing' and, of course, we are in
the business of growing flowers, but we are even
more so in the business of growing people, " Smith
emphasized. " When we do these two things well,
we create opportunities. "
Smith shared as Smith Gardens continues to
grow in size, it will continue to grapple with: " I
can't do it all, " and " I can't do it alone. " But this is
where development plays a crucial role.
" Last year, we created the position of operations
director. Wes Bailey, our Aurora, Oregon, site
manager for the past 17 years was promoted into
that role, " said Smith. His position was filled by the
Our greatest strength
really is in our team and
our ability to develop
experience within
them so that they are
ready for our next
opportunity to grow
and theirs as well.
-Eric Smith
shipping manager, Andrea Avila-Aragon, whose
position was taken by Salvador Ramirez, the selecting
supervisor, and his position was given to Georgina
Ascencio. " This one change opened the door for a
multitude of employee growth opportunities.
" Examples like this are all over our company.
Our greatest strength really is in our team and our
ability to develop experience within them so that
JULY 2023 7
Big Grower July 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Big Grower July 2023
