Jessie Hawkins didn't plan on running Uncle John's Plant Farm, initially. "I actually went to school for architecture," she says. "But I grew up around the greenhouses, and I realized this work has always been part of who I am." The Ohio-based business is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Jessie is leading the company with a mindset that blends family tradition and innovation.
She and her sisters spent their childhood surrounded by plants, riding along truck deliveries, helping out at the shop, and playing between the greenhouses. Years later, a temporary stint helping in the office turned into a full return to the family business. "I came back to help my dad out," she says, "but I started to really see the potential here. There's something special about working with your hands and seeing things grow."
© Uncle John Farms
A business keeping up with the times
Uncle John's opened in 1976, but the site itself has deeper roots. Originally built in the 1920s, the infrastructure was part of the Cleveland vegetable hub production. However, the oil crisis of the '70s made things go downhill. That's when Jessie's grandparents stepped in, bought the property, and shifted the focus to ornamentals, laying the groundwork for the future of the business.
By the 1980s, Uncle John's had built a reputation for quality flowering annuals and houseplants, just as consumer interest was on the rise. Through the decades, the business kept evolving: a new shipping barn in 1982, expanded retail in 1997, and in 2021, a new production space, designed with Jessie's background in landscape architecture in mind. "We try to make our workspaces not just efficient, but also beautiful," she says.
Growing in the leadership role
Jessie has learned the ins and outs of managing the business from the family tradition, especially from her father. "My dad always focused on helping people grow, whether that's in the greenhouse or in their careers, and I've tried to carry that forward."
© Uncle John Farms
Balancing work, family, and leadership hasn't always been easy, especially as a single parent in a demanding field. But Jessie has learned to lean on her team and focus on what's most important. "There's no guidebook for this," she says. "You just take it one day at a time, trust the process, and stay open to learning."
Pushing for smarter practices
Innovation at Uncle John's doesn't just mean new buildings, it's also about better production inputs. Jessie says switching to PRO-MIX® MPX AGTIV® REACH™ helped improve overall efficiency, reduce chemical use, and support stronger root development.
"Using the compressed bales has saved us time and labor," she explains. "And the mycorrhizae have really made a difference. We've seen fewer diseases, better root systems, and overall higher quality crops."
Better water retention has helped as well, especially during dry periods. Jessie also credits the PRO-MIX® team for consistent support, from troubleshooting to soil testing. "The entire team has been wonderful to work with, attentive to our needs, and always supporting us in a variety of ways," she says. The PRO-MIX® team ensures that every part of the operation runs smoothly, providing soil testing, quality control, and tailored advice. Their hands-on approach has been key in building a strong, long-term partnership that keeps Uncle John's performing at its best.
Growing the community, not just crops
Jessie's plans is to make the farm more than just a place to buy plants. "We want to be a space where people can reconnect with nature," she says. In the retail space, Jessie introduced the Plant Bar and Plant Pharmacy, a unique concept where customers can craft custom plantings or receive advice on plant health. It's a VIP experience where beauty, functionality, and creativity collide. "Whether it's our 'Plant Bar,' where folks can build their own arrangements, or just walking through the greenhouse. It's about fostering an environment for the community to get together."
© Uncle John Farms
She also knows what it means to lead in an industry where women still face assumptions. "There are still moments where people don't expect me to be the one in charge," she says. "But I just keep showing up, doing the work, and letting the results speak for themselves."
Jessie has a clear vision: keep the farm growing sustainably, stay rooted in the community, and keep finding ways to do better. "Plants aren't just beautiful, they're part of bigger solutions," she says. "They play a role in health, in climate, in well-being. That's the kind of impact we want to be part of."
And while Jessie never expected to end up back at the family farm, she's glad she did. "We're proud of our history," she says. "But we're even more excited about what comes next."
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