Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Genenbacher.
Hi Ted, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Frese Ornamental Nursery is 7th generation family owned business in Quincy Il.. I am blessed to be a 6th generation owner. along with my three sons Tad, Brad, and Andrew. I started at the nursery in 1989 working along side my father-in-law Mike Maas in the growing and wholesale division. I loved this part of the business working in the fields planting, growing, and digging. I grew up on a farm the youngest of eight, so this was as close to farming as I could get.
In the mid 90’s I moved into the landscaping side of the business. I enjoy the creativity of design, meeting with customers and helping to make their outdoor oasis a reality. I truly do not appreciate the paper work end of this as I am a hands in the dirt kind of guy,
In 2008 I became a co-owner and we decided to grow the business and expand the garden center, built a new building, expanded our product line. We now have largest selection of pottery, fountains, statuary, outdoor furniture, and decor.
During 2018 I bought out my father-in-law and sister-in-law. My sons had worked in the business since they were little it was only natural to bring them in with some ownership of the business as well. We currently have 60 acres of nursery stock, a full landscape company, and have created a destination garden center. Each year we look at ways we can improve, and grow. Next year we will celebrate 100 years at this location.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The greatest challenge is probably being able to change plans at a moments notice. You can have everything scheduled and then ; it rains, an employee is sick, the customer makes a last minute change, ect. You have to be flexible. This business truly takes a team and we all move and adjust when we need to.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What truly matters to me is my faith and my family. I start every morning at 4:15 am in prayer with my wife Sarah. If you keep God at the center it sure makes the adventure of this life so much better and its always exciting when you collaborate with HIM. I am so proud to have three sons all working in the business together. We have twelve grandchildren and its always a joy to see them here at the nursery and start teaching them about the business. I also appreciate the friendships and those close relationships that have developed over the years with our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freseornamentalnursery.com
- Instagram: fresenursery
- Facebook: Frese Ornamental Nursery
