To the Meskers family, the rows of glimmering state-of-the-art greenhouses harboring endless varieties of blossoms under Oregon sunshine are the realization of a dream come true.
“Both my mom and dad came from the tulip fields of Holland,” says Tyler Meskers, Vice President and COO of Oregon Flowers in Aurora, Oregon. “It’s the story of the American Dream.”
Martin and Helene Meskers arrived in Oregon in 1979. It wasn’t long before they asked siblings and parents to send over some tulip bulbs to help start their business. The Meskers launched Oregon Flowers, “Flowers grown with a Dutch touch,” in 1985 and customers loved their blossoms.
A single small greenhouse has since multiplied into fields of spacious structures. Tyler and his two siblings eventually learned how to run the family business, and now he’s happy to see his own children joining in the operation.
Even today, Martin and Helene are still a big part of the company. “They live and breathe this place,” Tyler says. During breaks, it’s not unusual to see Martin kicking a soccer ball around with his grandchildren in the greenhouses.
Tyler says the company’s partnership with Market of Choice is symbiotic because the Floral Shop offers fresh flowers year-round, and Oregon Flowers is able to provide a steady supply of seasonal favorites, from tulips in winter to Calla lilies in summer, and a variety of fresh-cut favorites all year long.
“They really promote local businesses,” Tyler says. “For a family farm like us, it’s great having a company like that to support us.”
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