Eastman: New Year, Ownership, and Horizons

It’s a new year, and what would a new year be without some big changes? As some of you may already know, I have been a manager at Fort Collins Nursery since 2008, with the intention of one day taking the reins from the owner, my father, Gary Eastman. During that time, I met many of you for the first time. Many of you who haven’t seen me since I was crawling around the nursery in diapers many years ago are still shopping here. It’s been quite a journey from my early days working here helping load cars and planting trees to the responsibilities I now face as we move forward into 2011 and beyond.

On Dec. 12, 2010, the official papers were signed, and I am happy to announce that I am now the proud owner of the finest nursery and garden center in Northern Colorado. This was not a decision I made lightly. I chose to continue the family business because I believe Fort Collins Nursery is a fundamental part of what makes this community great. It is only with the incredible support of my father, Gary, who has owned the nursery since 1976, that any of this was possible, and it is with his close advice and support that I will lead Fort Collins Nursery into the future.

Fort Collins Nursery has been a part of the Fort Collins plant community since 1932. (For a complete history, click here) From a vegetable stand to a contractor for the U.S. Air Force during WWII to the garden center you know today, one thing has remained constant – a business model based on integrity and the will to improve the community. Whether aiding the war effort by seeding airfields or holding charity events for countless nonprofit organizations, Fort Collins Nursery has always understood that we exist because the community supports us. It is because of this understanding that we consider service to the community in everything we do. It would be an understatement to say that I am excited to add my name to the long and illustrious list of owners who have kept this establishment thriving for nearly 80 years, and I look forward to our continued involvement in the gardening community that has supported us for so long.

I can’t end without stating the obvious fact that I have chosen to continue the legacy of Fort Collins Nursery because I love plants. Probably the only thing that I enjoy more than growing plants myself is helping each of you gain the tools and experience necessary to revel in your own love of plants. As Fort Collins Nursery continues to grow in this changing world, you will certainly notice some small changes (more use of our website, for instance!). However, the fundamentals that have kept this business strong will remain: Quality plant and supplies; Exceptional and well-informed customer service; Community support and awareness; and of course, love for plants.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of what makes Fort Collins Nursery such a great place, and I look forward to many more years of dirt under my fingernails and flowers everywhere I turn.

Sincerely,

Jesse Eastman
Owner & General Manager

Originally published on January 3rd, 2011. Updated on April 26th, 2011.