The Babikow family has been growing and serving the horticultural industry since 1875. The family's love for plants is firmly rooted in the company's mission and values.
1980: Longtime nurseryman, David Babikow decides to grow ornamental grasses in Lancaster PA, he knew he loved these plants, but had no idea of the impact and market that would follow.
1991: David and his wife Wyona, their sons Paul and Mark, along with Paul's wife Maureen move from Pennsylvania to a warmer growing location along Florida's emerald coast. A new company is created - Emerald Coast Growers.
1991 – 1995: Emerald Coast Growers expands rapidly in its early years and quickly becomes a respected industry source for ornamental grass starter plants.
1996: Brother-in-law William Delp, Sr. (along with his wife Joann and son William, Jr.) joins the Babikows as an owner of Emerald Coast Growers, taking the role of facilities manager. Over the next few years, the addition of new greenhouse space and the purchase of farmland in Milton, FL provide the resources to grow and expand into new starter plant markets.
1998: David and Wyona's daughter, Cheri Markowitz joins the company as sales manager. This move coincides with an ongoing expansion into additional crops to compliment Emerald Coast's ornamental grass market.
1999: Emerald Coast purchases additional greenhouse space in Pace, FL for the production of perennial liners.
2001: With a strong ornamental grass market and a growing demand for their perennial liners, Emerald Coast looks to the industry for a head grower. Long-time friend Dave Dagen joins Emerald Coast as head grower and operations manager. Emerald Coast's perennial starter plant division expands and new plants are added.
2002: David and Wyona's daughter Bonnie Mietling joins the team of owners. Bonnie becomes instrumental in the finance department as Emerald Coast continues to grow.
2003: Emerald Coast Growers purchases a facility in Lancaster, PA., that operates under the leadership of Andrew Babikow and Al Mueller. This facility allows improved delivery opportunities to the northeast, as well as a colder climate for cool weather growers.
Today, Emerald Coast Growers has grown to become a respected producer of perennial starter plants and specialty plants. Despite the larger diversity of products, Emerald Coast Growers still maintains the distinction of being one of the industry's largest suppliers of ornamental grass liners to North American growers and retailers.
|
|
|
