Portraits: Saunders Brothers

Last year, we had the honor of telling the story of the Saunders Brothers and were able to chat with the older and new generation of Saunders about their family business. It will still be a while before most of them are ready to pass on the torch, but we still took this extra time with them to reflect on their experiences working for the family business. 

The passion for plants has been passed through the family for decades, so it’s only natural that each new generation seems to find themselves right where their parents and grandparents have always been.

“My grandmother was a very avid gardener. She was president of the local garden club. She was very much an inspiration to me.”

Robert never saw himself sticking around the farm, but something clicked for him during his final year of college that brought him back to the Saunders Brothers, and he hasn’t left since. 

“When you're making plants that make people happy…I'm out there making their life better, giving them something to make life move down the road.”

Annie, one of the next generation, says she never expected to return to the farm much like a few other members. But, the opportunity to keep the family business blossoming drew her back in like all of the others. 

“Our generation is…really excited and ready to get into the business and try to add our spin to it. We're really just hoping to make our mark.”

A film by Joshua Wingard.

Produced by Kendahl Huber.

Additional editing by Sylvie Joyner.

Artwork by Matthew Gillin.