Paying His Dues
Often seen at industry gatherings but seldom heard, Meyer arrived in Tampa in the
midst of the 1930's depression, leaving his native New Jersey in search of employment.
When he went to look for work, he was immediately asked if he was married?
When he said no, potential employers let it be known the few jobs available were
reserved for married men.
Meyer, who had experimented with growing plants in high school, got his break from
the yellow pages when he found a listing for Jack Holmes' nursery and landscape business
in north Tampa. "I had an interview with Mr. Holmes and an hour later I was
at work," Meyer remembers. (Holmes would later become one of the renowned leaders
of the industry with new plant introductions and advances in production techniques
and landscaping theories.)
He also remembers the salary: "A 9-hour day for $2, or less than 25 cents an
hour." But it was a job, which would lead to a long-term future in the nursery
industry. Two years later, in 1938, Meyer launched Ins own nursery stake with a 3-acre
operation.
When he entered the military for a three-year tour of duty during World War 11, Meyer's
mother maintained his small nursery. Serving in the signal corps branch of the Air
Force, Meyer witnessed the dramatic flag raising on Iowa Jima, now memorialized by
stature in Washington, D.C.
Away from the battlefield, Meyer had an unusual assignment. "When they found
out I could grow plants, they put me to work growing bushes to plant next to an air
strip to stop erosion," Meyer said, thus making a very unusual contribution
toward the country's war effort.
Meyer returned home after the war. He then moved to California for 17 years at the
behest of doctors who thought the climate would benefit a on with asthma. While on
the West Coast, Meyer was involved in the nursery business on the retail level.
Growing And Growing
The nursery industry had not yet started to surge when Meyer returned to Tampa. In
fact, as he recalls, there were only four or five nurseries in the county. Today,
the nursery industry in Hillsborough County has an estimated value of over $142 million,
making it the largest segment of agriculture in the county.
Hillsborough County Horticulture Extension Specialist Roger Newton credits Meyer
with some of that skyrocketing growth. "My first association with Marshall was
in the early '70s at the time he was serving as superintendent of the horticulture
exhibit at the Florida State Fair. I was immediately impressed with his knowledge
of plant material and his recognition of quality," Newton said.
Meyer reflects that much of the industry's growth in the area resulted from city
and county landscape codes that were imposed to improve property values and efforts
by government agencies to landscape public buildings, road right-of-ways, and other
public sectors.
To meet some of that demand, Meyer and two sons involved in the business moved to
the Thonotosassa area 18 years ago, expanding the operation to 25 acres. Seven additional
acres will be in production within the next year.
The nursery has 100 varieties currently in production. Principal crops grown are
woody ornamentals, shade trees, and bromeliads. Markets are mainly area landscape
contractors, schools and other public agencies, and theme parks. Busch Gardens has
been a primary customer of Meyer for many years. The nursery doesn't attempt to serve
the mass marketers.
Hugh Gramling, executive director of the Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers (TBWG), echoes
how many view Meyer. "Marshall, and the Meyer's family, are extraordinary people.
They are the perfect example of people with a deep commitment to the industry and
who, very quietly, fulfill and exceed their responsibility to society. Marshall has
been very innovative over the years and is respected for his level-headed approach,
honesty, and integrity."
Good Times Ahead
Meyer is also a strong supporter of the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association
(FNGA) "Plants of the Year" program, which was initiated to promote under-utilized
but proven Florida plant material. He credits formet FNGA President Alan Shapiro
with spearheading the concept, which is now sponsored by the Woody Division Steering
Committee of the association. "Some of those plants have become big sellers
for the industry," Meyer said.
An early member of FNGA and a charter member of the TBWG,
Meyer is quick to express his sanction of both groups. He also sings the praises
of the University of Florida's IFAS Extension Service as a major factor in industry
growth. "Roger Newton has had the most impact of any individual on the nursery
industry in Hillsborough County," Meyer said admiringly.
Crystal-balling the future, Meyer sees "good times," and a strong demand
for larger plants, shrubs, and trees. He also encourages the introduction of new
varieties and the re-introduction of varieties, which have dropped out of favor.
He also thinks the pot-in-pot concept can be an important production tool for tree
growers.
Is he ready to retire? Meyer, president of the company, responds with a grin and
a definite "No. I have to take over when my sons retire." In reality, he
has turned over much of the operation to two sons - Doug, 50, serves as secretary-treasurer
and supervises production, and Phil, 48, vice president, administers the office.
Another son, Greg, 40, is an independent landscape architect in the Orlando area.
The oldest son remains in California where he runs a computer business.
Meyer and wife Dottie, who doesn't like to fly, are train travel enthiusiasts, logging
over 8000 miles in one recent year. They usually select a destination that provides
good rail coverage and then rent a car to visit area attractions. To this day he
has stayed grounded and committed to the horticulture industry.
Earl Wells, refired executive vice president of FNGA, is a freelance
writer and professional speaker residing in the Orlando area. Contact him by e-mail
at ESWells391 1@aol.com
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