Past Features

Featuring: John M. Williams

B.S. in Horticulture - 1981

Hello Fellow Alumni,

Twenty five years have passed since I graduated from Iowa State in the spring of 1981 with a degree in Horticulture. Upon graduation, I spent my first two years selling peat moss for a company out of Lake Mills Iowa, The Eli Colby Company. My territory included the west and I was amazed to find what a large greenhouse industry business there was in Colorado. In the early 80's cut flowers were still the majority of what was being produced in and around the Denver area. I relocated to Denver in 1982, first working for Kitayama Brothers, then landing a job with Tagawa Greenhouses in 1984.

I have been working for Tagawa Greenhouses, Brighton Colorado, for the last 22 years. My career started as a range grower producing bedding plants and plugs, I advanced into management, so I joke that I grew people, and for the last ten years I have been in upper level management, so I grow profits. I am currently Vice President of Production. My responsibilities include managing the production and facility operations for our greenhouses in Colorado and New Mexico. This past year we operated 2.6 million square feet of Greenhouse. We employ about 500 people at peak, including greenhouse employees as well as our merchandisers at the stores we service. Just recently as the first generation ownership decided to enjoy life a bit more, the second generation was offered ownership of the greenhouses. Fortunately, for me, I was offered shares in the LLC. that will operate the facilities for the Tagawa Family. So, now after more that twenty years working as a employee, I will start work November 1st, 2006 as an owner.

My life here in Colorado has been fantastic. My career has been very successful, but I have many other things to be thankful for. I met my wife Kathy, at Iowa State. She graduated in Textiles and Clothing in 1981. She moved to Colorado and I soon followed. We married in 1984 and will celebrate 22 years of marriage this October. We have been blessed with 4 wonderful children, Samuel, a sophomore at Western State College. Stewart and Joe, both in High School as a junior and freshman. Last but not least, Abigail, a seventh grader. All are healthy, happy and a pleasure to have.

When asked to comment on my experiences at Iowa State, I have nothing but praise and gratitude for the education and experience I received. I worked for Dr. Dick Gladon. He taught me a valuable lesson, how to find information. To this day, I still feel that you need to learn something everyday. I remember working at the Horticulture Greenhouses, judging chrysanthemum rooting in different soils. My kids are amazed that you would ever have to use punch cards to get your print out from computer, let alone, not have one in your house. I remember when the Horticulture Building was being remodeled and we had classes and offices in “Old Botany” Hall, I swear that place was haunted.

All in all, I would never trade a decision I have made or a day I have spent since graduating from Iowa State. I would like to wish all my fellow alumni, the best of health, the best of times and good luck today and in the future.

As Always, John M Williams