They say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” It is hard to believe this year marks a special milestone for Blackjack Horticulture – our 20th anniversary. In 1998, a Birmingham family started a furniture store called Blackjack Gardens that incorporated a small landscape division. At the time, the landscape group performed only residential work with maintenance services and the occasional new installation. That small 5-6 person team continued to build and expand over time through a commitment to going the extra mile and an unwavering focus on quality. In 2004, with the generous support of the company’s founders, the landscape division separated to create the independent company, Blackjack Horticulture.

The last 20 years have not been without their challenges and bumps. From the growing pains of a young business to a great recession that tested companies of all sizes, by God’s providential hand we have continued to grow, develop and excel. We have had the opportunity to work on amazing projects and partner with incredible clients over the last several years. In fact, we consider it a tremendous honor to continue serving most of our earliest clients still today.

I find it exciting being part of a team that loves what they do and strives to be better. When you work with a group of people that truly want to be their best, it doesn’t seem like work at all. It has taken a cohort of partners and mentors to get to this point. The future will certainly require the same. While I enjoy reflecting on the last two decades, I am more energized by looking ahead at the opportunities before us. Perhaps the most important one may be refining what we already do. Blackjack Horticulture will continue to grow through excellence, reliability, integrity and team work as we seek to set the standard in the services we provide. By holding fast to our founding principles of exceptional service and quality, we look forward to the opportunities of the next 20 years and are grateful for the dedicated clients and team that have gotten us this far.

 

Blackjack Horticulture’s owners, Bryan Word and Kim Byram, in 2004