Milwaukee, WI 53223
Phone: 414.354.4830
800. 236.4830
Fax: 414.354.5205
About Minor's Garden Center
1950
Minor's Garden Center started back in 1932 when Earl Minor, Don Minor's father, started in the nursery business selling plants and shrubs from the back of his pick up truck. As time went on, he managed a small retail sales yard on Appleton Avenue and Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee. Donald grew up in the 1930's and early 40's working in this operation. In 1945, when Earl Minor passed away, Donald managed the Appleton Avenue operation until 1949.
In 1949, Don continued soliciting retail business house to house. In 1950, he purchased property on Center and Appleton Avenues and established Minor's Garden Center, Inc. At the same time, he was attending Marquette University, College of Business Administration evening division and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor's degree in business administration, general business accounting and finance. In 1952, Don married Joanne Glausen; since then, she has actively worked and participated in the business, while raising the family. Joanne has been a major contributor to the success of the business then and now.
The Appleton Avenue location continued to grow through the 50's and 60's. Donald was assisted by his mother, Dorothy Minor, until her retirement in 1978. Dorothy Minor passed away in March of 1991.
The current location, 7777 North 76th Street, was purchased in 1968 as an investment, but soon grew into another location. With the full time entry of Kurt, Scott, and Bill Minor, the 76th Street location continues to expand.
Minor's Nursery Division has approximately 120 acres of nursery stock under cultivation at several different locations.
1999
Minor's is presently being operated under the direction of Don, Kurt, Bill, and Scott Minor. Michelle Minor graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Horticulture in 1989 and is presently in San Francisco, California. Pamela Minor entered the business in 1990 and is responsible for the general office operation in addition to assisting Don Minor with bookkeeping/accounting. Tama Minor has been actively involved in the retail sales division and plays an important role in the Greenhouse/Flowers operation. Grandson, Chad Minor, is currently an assistant manager in the retail division full time, while other grandchildren, Brad, Nicole, Elizabeth and Brian are active seasonally in various areas of the business.
Minor's Wholesale Supply Division was greatly enhanced in 1980. Many contractors, who bought materials from us, encouraged us to broaden this scope of the business. Since then, the Wholesale Division has expanded greatly and makes up for at least half of total sales for Minor's Garden Center. This division continues to show a promising future and is an integral part of the operation.
In 1991, Minor's joined the Servistar Corporation, now known as the Tru Serv Corporation. This is a national hardware buying group with emphasis on home improvement and garden products. The trademark is Home and Garden Showplace. This association is especially helpful with competition in the dry goods area of the business.
In the 50 years Minor's has been in business, there has been dramatic change in the garden business. Homeowners, governments, and businesses are all much more aware of the value of good landscaping. This, coupled with the value to our environment, should ensure a bright future for the entire industry.
Thank You for your interest in Minor's Garden Center!