My first memories of Berkeley Hort are from around when I was 10 years old. I was given the opportunity to have my “first job” that spring, and was incredibly excited to make some money. I won’t tell you how much this 10-year old’s starting wage was, but let’s just say that after an 8-hour shift I didn’t even walk with a 20 spot.
I always felt I needed to work harder than everyone else did, so the employees wouldn’t think the boss’s kid was catching a free ride. I started on the Yard Crew, and can’t tell you how much fun I had, and how many important friendships I formed. We worked hard, but we also laughed hard. It was an amazing first work experience.
Thinking back, I realize how appreciative I am of those individuals who took time to teach me the nursery trade. How easily they could have written off the boss’s kid, but they all took time and had patience with me. Victor Yool, George Ye, Stephen Carey, and John Ballantine are a few names of employees who I will forever be grateful to. Not only did I learn the nursery trade, but I also learned many life lessons from these incredible individuals.
Who knows what the future will bring, but I am planning on being here for the next 100 years. There are not words to say how grateful I am to the community, present and past employees, and our customers. If you are ever in the nursery, don’t hesitate to say hi.
