About the St. Croix Floral Company - History
Located in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley in northwestern Wisconsin, St. Croix Floral has been a local, family owned, thriving business for over 38 years. Through three generations, the Nelson Family has delivered quality services in the Horticulture industry. Beginning as a floral shop purchased in 1966 by Marvin and Lila Nelson, Gary and Jill Nelson acquired and moved the business to accommodate expansion into other products and to meet customer needs. Green houses, barns and planting beds were all established and the commitment to homegrown quality began. Growth continued with Bruce Nelson purchasing St. Croix Floral from his parents in 1996.
Today, with over 60 employees, St. Croix Floral Company always seeks to improve our value and service to you, our guests. We are committed to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations in a wide variety of service areas through the efforts of our valuable employees. Homegrown quality makes a difference!
Mission Statement
The mission of St. Croix Floral is to be the recognized Professional Leader in Horticultural Services - Garden Center, Landscaping, Floral, Greenhouse, and Nursery by using our resources, quality products, and value to deliver customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Associations
- FTD
- The Garden Center Group
- Minnesota Christmas Tree Producers
- Minnesota Nursery & Landscaping Association
- Ohio Florists Association
- St. Croix Falls Chamber
- St. Croix Valley Home Builders Association
- Teleflora
- Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers
Meet the Staff of St. Croix Floral Company, Inc.
Bruce Nelson - President and Owner
Bruce Nelson is the third generation owner of St. Croix Floral Company, Inc., following his grandparents (Marvin and Lila Nelson) and his parents (Gary and Jill Nelson). Like those relatives who came before him, Bruce has a great appreciation and love for the Horticulture and Floriculture fields, having grown up and worked in the business his entire life. When Bruce purchased St. Croix Floral Company from his parents in 1996, he dedicated his career to making it a recognized leader in the Horticulture industry. He has created one of the largest Garden Centers in the area, a highly reputable Landscaping Service, a thriving Wholesale Business and a successful Nursery, where he grows his own evergreens. Using only quality resources and products, Bruce knows that customer satisfaction and loyalty are vital to the operation of a successful business.
Nathan Prokop - Landscape Manager
MNLA Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional
ICPI Certified Paver Installer
B.S. Horticulture, UWRF
Nathan Prokop has been with St. Croix Floral Company for over 24 years, even as he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Nathan loves working outdoors and consistently exceeds our client's needs and expectations. With vast experience in all aspects of landscaping, including hardscaping, planting beds, water features and enhancing existing features in both residential and commercial settings. He enjoys helping clients create new and exciting living spaces.
Frank Behning - Landscape Team Leader
Since 1993, Frank Behning has specialized in water features and new lawns for St. Croix Floral Company. He maintains a broad variety of experience in various types of landscaping projects and enjoys working outside. Frank leads one of our Landscape Teams in a professional and positive manner.
Larry Runnels - Landscape Team Leader
ICPI Certified Paver Installer
Diploma/Degree, Turf Management
Larry Runnels has been a part of St. Croix Floral since 2002. Prior to joining us, he spent 10 years working as a golf course grounds keeper...he knows about turf! Specializing in paver and retaining wall installations, Larry has extensive experience in many areas of landscaping. Larry is dedicated to pleasing our clients.
Angela M. Mazaika - Garden Center Manager
B.S. Ornamental Horticulture
MNLA Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional
Angela Mazaika has been with St. Croix Floral Co. as the Garden Center Manger since November of 1999. Angela has over 14 years of experience in the field of horticulture with respects to retail plants, products and services, landscaping and public horticulture. Not only does she enjoy helping customers plan their gardens & make plant selections that will work best for them, but she also enjoys plant identification and educational event planning. She received her degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley College of Science & Agriculture in 1991 and prior to making north western Wisconsin her home she worked at the National Tropical Botanical Garden, HI.
Justin Swanson - Garden Center Associate
B.S. in Agronomy
Justin Swanson joined the St. Croix Floral Company team in 2005. He shares a wealth of helpful information on fruit trees, especially apple trees, with customers including pruning and other and maintenance tasks, as well as tree and shrub selection. Justin graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Agronomy (field crops and farming practices) and a minor in Horticulture (trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals that we all enjoy). Justin also helps to manage and work on his family's century old farm.
Jacqueline Rettler - Floral and Gift Shop manager
Jackee has been with St. Croix Floral since November 2005. She has won both regional and national awards for her outstanding customer service skills. She loves working with customers whether it involves extensive even planning, putting together beautiful home decor or simply helping a customer pick out that special bouquet for mom. Her artistic background enables her to work with the design staff to ensure our floral designs are fresh and creative. Jackee is also an experienced buyer and will be constantly researching the changing market trends to ensure that we have flowers, gifts and decor that will consistently “WOW” our customer at the best possible price.
Bryce Hanson - Contractor Sales Assistant/ Yard Manager
Bryce has been working at St. Croix Floral since May 2006. His energetic personality and great work ethic are sure help you get exactly what you need. If you have any questions on what St. Croix Floral carries for products or if you would like installation tips, feel free to give Bryce a call.
Linda Thiel - Greenhouse
Linda has been with St. Croix Floral since 2000. While at St. Croix Floral, Linda ensures that every greenhouse order is of excellent quality and fulfilled to the customers expectations. Linda also is in charge of correctly watering and fertilizing all plants in the greenhouse.
Cynthia Weideman – Wholesale
Cindy was been with St. Croix Floral since 1996. While at St. Croix Floral, Cindy has been the head trans-planter, in charge of our wreath production, and starting in 2006, she will be scheduling all of your planting and delivery needs.
Sally Miller - Floral Designer
Growing up in a "floral family", Sally brings over 30 years of experience to our design team. While she enjoys all aspects of the floral business, Sally specializes in wedding, and event planning. Sally has been with St. Croix Floral on a part-time basis since August 2006.