From Gardener's Supply (www.gardeners.com)

Gardener's Supply: Proudly Employee-Owned

Gardener's Supply Company is 100% employee-owned. In general terms, that means we all earn stock and share in company profits through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). But ask any of our employee-owners, and they'll tell you it goes way beyond that. Being co-owners really means that we: care deeply about our customers and their successes in the garden; sustain a vibrant focus on gardening; support a strong social mission; take care of our communities and one another; and work hard to safeguard the increasingly fragile planet we've been entrusted with.

"Gardener's Supply is a prime example of an ESOP company that actively engages its employee owners, the employee ownership community, and elected officials at the state and federal levels," said ESOP Association President J. Michael Keeling. "Its commitment to sharing with others the power of ESOPs is an example all ESOP companies can proudly seek to replicate."

Will Raap
Founder Will Raap serves pie to customers at our annual celebration of employee ownership.

We engage employee-owners and solicit their input via a variety of creative vehicles, including:

  • Brownie For Your Thoughts. Every year, we're each personally invited to offer ideas, questions, and concerns — in return for a fresh-baked brownie.
  • Solstice Celebration. Since the anniversary of our transition to 100% ownership falls on the winter solstice, we gather every December to celebrate. And every customer who visits one of our garden centers on this day is invited to symbolically "share a piece of the pie" with actual, delicious pie!
  • Town Hall Meetings. Employee-owners join our president in small groups to discuss any aspect of our business.

Through employee ownership we remain passionately committed to our founding vision — to spread the joys and rewards of gardening, because gardening nourishes the body, elevates the spirit, builds community and makes the world a better place.

Learn more about employee stock ownership programs and structure by visiting the ESOP Association.

Last updated: 6/7/19