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Weston Nurseries unveils plans "...Peter is ready to take the business to the next level." CEO Gary Furst
June 16, 2005 — Fourth generation nurseryman Peter Mezitt hosted a continental breakfast for the business community this morning, who gathered to hear the business plan of Weston Nurseries first hand. He started with a history of the business. "In 1923 in Weston my great grandfather Peter and his wife Anna Olga opened a garden center. He was known as a generous man; he would loan plants and say, 'Pay me when you can.'" "The current Mass Pike maintenance area, one mile west of the tolls is where the original 200 acre Weston Nurseries was. He bought 80 acres of land in Hopkinton and that has grown to 900 acres. There were still horses in town then," he said. Mr. Mezitt detailed the changes in business, such as the big box stores proliferating and how that concept was mimicked by the nursery's competitors. He also pointed out that the competing growers were specializing in perhaps only 100 plants. "We had 4,500 SKU's [stock-keeping unit]," he said, referring to the amount of individual products grown at the nursery. Mr. Mezitt proudly detailed the nursery's history of hybridizing new varieties, like the world renown PJM rhododendron, created and named by his grandfather for his great-grandfather, Peter J. Mezitt. Peter blamed a difference in styles between the two Mezitt brothers, his father Wayne, and uncle Roger for the offering for sale of 615 acres of land which is being split from the nursery business. Although Roger has no heirs, Wayne would like to continue the business for his family and plans to reinvest in the nursery. The nursery plans to use 50-75 acres to grow trees. "Big trees," said Mr. Mezitt. "We plan to grow 30-40% of what we sell. We now have contract growers to outsource per our instructions." The new focus of the nursery is to have the Garden Center drive what is planted and dug in the fields, with a strong commitment to customer service and sales. Mr. Mezitt had praise for the staff, saying that many have come from high-tech and work at the Garden Center because they like to, not because they need the money. Wayne Mezitt had much praise for CEO, Gary Furst, who came on board in November of 2002. "We needed someone from the outside," he said. The most praise, however, was reserved for Peter Mezitt. "Peter has really grown as a manager," said Mr. Furst after the meeting. "He is an outstanding individual. He is the hardest worker. He comes in first and leaves last. The staff really likes him. "The plan is for Peter to become President as I give up my CEO. And that will be before the end of the year. "I have full confidence he is ready to take the business to the next level," he said. The brothers, Wayne and Roger, are selling their joint interest in 615 acres, an event which has gained the interest scrutiny of the entire town due to the major impact on town services, especially the schools. "Our major concern is that whatever we do is a positive thing for the town," said Wayne. "We live here." |
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