About

Who We Are

Hampshire Farms is a wholesale greenhouse and merchandiser that engages in the growing of perennials and distribution of house plants, and holiday décor. Our products can be found at The Home Depot locations across Chicagoland, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Northeast Missouri, and Northwest Indiana.

Our farm produces over 3.5 million plants per season using approximately 1 million square feet of indoor and outdoor production space; and our climate-controlled greenhouse creates the ideal environment to meet the specific needs of our different crops. In 2025 alone, we grew and shipped 170,000 Salvia, 150,000 Dianthus, 145,000 Hosta, 127,000 Coreopsis, 125,000 Violas and 100,000 Coneflowers.  

Through our dedication to innovation, we are able to produce healthier plants more efficiently and reduce our impact on the environment. Our farm utilizes biological insect control to reduce our reliance on pesticides, employs upgraded irrigation control systems, automated robotic planting equipment and LED grow lights, applies controlled-release fertilizers and has an aggressive plastic recycling program which keeps our plastic waste out of landfills. 

We are proud that Hampshire Farms can be counted within the top 100 growers in the country and even more proud of our reputation both with our customers and within the industry.

Our Team

Bob W.

Vice President 

Nothing is better than to see a customer happy with our high-quality plants.  I love the outdoors, football, exercise, eating, and spending time with family and friends.  I have a competitive spirit that shows itself in almost everything I do. I enjoy working with our energetic team and look forward to many, many years of continued success. 

Travis H.

Director of Merchandising

I have been with Hampshire Farms for 12 plus years. My favorite part about the job is customer service, training, and creating fresh new plant displays. My favorite perennial is a Hosta and my favorite houseplant is a Calathea. I like to spend my free time fishing and golfing.  

Susan C.

Director of Sales, House Plants 

I love working in an industry that is evolving each year.  I never like to stay in one spot for too long, so the plant world has been a fun and exciting career path for me.  There are so many amazing people I have met throughout the years from Hampshire farms co-workers, plant vendors and Home Depot associates.  I love meeting new people and telling a joke here and there.  I’m a mom of 2 kids and 3 pets.  Our house is wild and crazy which is exactly the way I love it! My life’s motto is to never take life too seriously because than you will miss out on all the good happening around you.

Jill M.

Inventory Manager

Hampshire Farms is a progressive company encouraging professional and personal growth.  Working with plants daily keeps life in perspective and I learn something new everyday! 

Paige S.

Production Inventory Coordinator

I spend my free time with my 2 boys. We like to play video games, go on hikes, and make dinners together. Some of my proudest moments have been when my kids identify different plants, trees, or shrubs during walks in forest preserves. It has made me very proud to know that I sparked an interest in nature in the next generation.  

Jason T.

Regional Merchandising Manager

Hampshire Farms allows me to work in a fun, challenging and fast-paced environment. My favorite part of the job is working outside with the team. I am a proud father to my beautiful daughter and handsome son who are ninjas in training! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my kids, riding my motorcycle, or trying to instigate a snowball fight.

Jeremy A.

Logistics Manager

I have worked for Hampshire Farms for 3 years and enjoy coming to work ready to face a different type of problem every day. I enjoy working with such a diverse group of people and feel at home while at work. 

Livia G.

Buyer, House Plants

I love that every day at Hampshire Farms presents me with something new, there’s no such thing as just another boring day at the office! Outside of work I can be found baking, cross stitching or arranging flowers.  

Frank W.

Field Expediter

I got started in the green industry in 1976 as a Jack-of-all trades for a nursery that supplied Kmart stores in Illinois and Wisconsin. After college, I got involved with the crazies down at the Board of Trade and spent twenty years with them in varieties of different positions. When the computers took over it was time for another career. Coming full circle, I was called to return to the green industry and joined Hampshire Farms.  

I have been married to my wife Cindy for 34 years and have three kids. We enjoy snow skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, shooting sports, boating, campfires, and anything that take us outdoors with our two Black Labs.

Patrick J.

IT Specialist

I have been in the computer industry for 38 years and I have been in support for the majority of that time. I served in the Army as an MP and have lived in this area my whole life. I like to go to the movies and play tennis. I have been married for 39 years and have 2 Children and 2 dogs. My Kids and I have twice gone to the National Finals of the USTA (United States Tennis Assoc.) 

Kelly A.

District Supervisor

I have worked in the horticulture and merchandising field for many years.  From small local nurseries to large production facilities, I have gained a wealth of knowledge in this industry. In my free time, I am the CEO of a non-profit equine therapy facility that serves under-privileged youth in foster care that focuses on drug prevention. I am married and have 3 boys who I enjoy watching play sports.

Chole H.

District Supervisor

Gardening and collecting house plants has always been a passion and hobby of mine. I find growing and caring for any type of plant to be peaceful and rewarding. I love working for Hampshire Farms, it allows me to work with things that I enjoy most in life. My spouse and I have been together for over 11 years, he also helps me sometimes with work. We have two male cats Duke and Sherbet. I spend my free time in the summers at the lake or pool. I love the water! I’m big on helping the pollinators in any way possible so having a career that grows pollinator plants is amazing. One of the best and most enjoyable things for me is watching them all engulf all of our product!

Tyler M.

District Supervisor

After taking a 10-year hiatus from Hampshire Farms, I spent the last 10 years in the restaurant industry. Making the change back to Hampshire Farms has been a huge part of my life. It truly feels like a home here, and I love the family-friendly atmosphere. Outside of work, I spend most of my time in my greenhouse or making terrariums. I’m a huge Blackhawks fan and have been to at least two games each year for the past 10 years, especially playoff hockey!

Tim L.

District Supervisor

I have worked for Hampshire Farm since 2018 and have been involved in plant retail business for over 30 years, 7 of which I was a Garden Center Department Head for Home Depot.   I enjoy working with my team, helping customers, and sharing my plant knowledge. When not working I enjoy spending time with my family, our grandkids, and our new puppy Jade.  I also enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, and hunting.

Matt H.

Production & Sales Specialist

I’ve worked for Hampshire Farms for 6 years now. I’m one of the district managers in the Chicagoland suburbs. I enjoy working outdoors and going to different locations every day for work. In my free time I enjoy watching sports and working in the yard. My favorite plants include Philodendrons, Citrus, Ferns, Hosta, Heuchera, and Creeping Phlox.

Kimberly G.

Field Sales Supervisor

I enjoy my job and all the great people working for Hampshire Farms! When I’m not working, I spend my time with family and friends. I also love getting outdoors for hiking or biking with my dog, Riley. 

Mark M.

Field Sales Supervisor

I’ve been with Hampshire farms for 3 years and I’m just starting my second year as a Supervisor. I’ve become a plant collector and terrarium builder. This year I bought my first house and have expanded into yard gardening, my first project has been to accumulate as many varieties of Heuchera as possible to make a rainbow of color in my shade garden. My other hobbies include playing guitar and restoring vintage pedal start mopeds. I have a handful of cats with my wife, an avid plant person herself. I’m grateful for my family at Hampshire, too! 

Molly W.

Field Sales Supervisor

Working for Hampshire Farms has given me the opportunity to grow within the business and become a more confident leader. I love spending my free time with my family, gardening, and doing DIY projects. I really enjoy learning about all the different varieties of plants and how to care for them. I especially like the different variety of Hosta, shade perennials, and Pothos.

Debbie V.

Field Sales Supervisor

I really enjoy working with Hampshire Farms! I love being able to incorporate my creativity into my daily tasks and helping our customers find just the right plant to grow. When I’m not working, I can be found in my garden, on a nature hike, at the beach, or enjoying all the music festivals.

Wendy B.

Field Sales Supervisor

I have been with Hampshire Farms for four years and am starting this season in my first year as field supervisor.  One of my favorite things about working for Hampshire Farms has been the customer interactions. Helping people learn, discover, and truly build their plant confidence brings me great joy.  I have been an avid gardener for many years. My other hobbies include cooking, taking care of my aquariums, and figuring out which houseplants grow best in aquarium water.  My favorite perennial is the clematis. 

Greenhouse Grower's 2025 Operation of the Year

By Marisa Reyes | September 7, 2025

The Hampshire Farms team in Hampshire, IL — the people behind the success recognized in this year’s Operation of the Year award. | Melinda Taschetta-Milane
When Hampshire Farms was announced as Greenhouse Grower’s 2025 Operation of the Year winner during the Evening of Excellence at Cultivate’25, President Fred Wacker says the recognition came as a complete surprise. “It’s a feather in the cap for our whole team,” he says. “Even our merchandisers out in the rain, cold, and heat, they’re just as much a part of this as the people working in the greenhouse every day. We’re tremendously honored.”

That emphasis on “we” is more than humility; it’s the foundation of how Hampshire Farms operates. Based in Hampshire, IL, the wholesale greenhouse spans 50 acres and nearly 1 million square feet of combined indoor and outdoor production space. About half of that footprint is devoted to greenhouse growing, while the rest supports outdoor production areas and the infrastructure needed to move plants efficiently from propagation to shipping. With this capacity, Hampshire Farms produces more than 3.5 million plants each season, using climate-controlled greenhouses to fine-tune growing conditions for a wide range of crops, from high-quality perennials to houseplants and seasonal holiday décor for Home Depot locations across the Upper Midwest.
Empowering the People Who Power the Plants
For Wacker, every success story at Hampshire Farms begins with its people. “People aren’t on the balance sheet, but they’re the most important asset we have,” he says. They like to think about the company’s organizational chart as drawn like an inverted pyramid — placing frontline staff such as merchandisers, growers, drivers, and crew leaders at the very top. “Management and ownership’s job is to make sure they have everything they need to succeed.”

This commitment to people shows up in the way Hampshire runs its day-to-day operations. Leadership meets regularly to review key metrics, address challenges, and align priorities. Merchandising teams hold weekly meetings to share sell-through rates, product flow updates, and feedback from the field. In the greenhouse, production crews gather with their leaders to track progress, plan next steps, and exchange ideas. Staff input isn’t just heard, it directly shapes decisions, from refining crop mixes to choosing new equipment. “If a change is going to impact their daily work, they should be part of choosing it,” says Vice President of Sales and Merchandising, Bob Whiteside.

One of Wacker’s favorite reminders of that shared ownership hangs in the lunchroom: a photo from the groundbreaking of their most recent expansion, with crew leaders and team captains holding shovels. “This is their facility,” he says. “They’re the ones who make it all happen.”
Smart, Shared Decisions on Technology and Growth
Hampshire Farms takes a measured but proactive approach to investment. The company recently completed a 2.5-acre climate-controlled expansion, a 10% increase in greenhouse capacity, after first testing the market opportunity with contract growers. “We’re conservative to start, but once we prove the opportunity, we put the hammer down,” says Wacker. Whiteside says they expect the expansion to start paying dividends as soon as next year.

The decision-making process for technology upgrades starts with listening. “We listen to the team and hear what the problems are,” says Matt Fredrickson, Director of Production Operations. “As a management team, we’re constantly seeing what needs to be improved and what challenges are in the way. The best way to implement new technology is to work with the team so they understand the need. That helps them want to implement it.”

Fredrickson believes getting out of the greenhouse is just as important as fine-tuning it. “Touring is a big part of that,” he says. “Everyone in the industry is growing plants, but we all do it somewhat differently. What works for you might not work somewhere else. It’s good to get out there so the staff can get that exposure and get ideas and inspiration. If we can take part of what we’ve seen and integrate it into something we already have, it’s an eye-opening experience for the whole team.”

Whiteside says, “If it’s going to impact their daily work, they should be part of choosing it. Bring the crews into the purchase and implementation. If they’re part of the process all the way through, they really take ownership of it.”

Director of Sales for House Plants, Susan Castellanos, says that technology also helps connect Hampshire’s widely distributed teams. “We manage a very remote staff in the field, and tech allows us to stay connected, even if it’s just using a phone to show us something in real time.” The team also uses Microsoft Power BI for instant access to sales and operational data, helping everyone make timely, informed decisions.

Hampshire categorizes capital expenditure into two buckets: essential replacements to keep the operation modern, and productivity improvements designed to boost efficiency. Fredrickson says, “We spend a lot of time discussing if we need or want something, and we put together detailed spreadsheets — how many plants can we fit in a square foot, what’s the average margin on each size, how many turns can we get a year, and how will that increase our revenue?”

To keep track of facility maintenance, the team utilizes a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) that catalogs and documents every piece of equipment, tracks assets, and automatically generates work orders for the maintenance department. This proactive system ensures issues are addressed before they become costly problems, helping the team stay ahead rather than reacting to breakdowns.

ROI is measured not just in dollars saved, but in people supported. Labor-saving investments, from improved potting lines and irrigation booms to efficient seeding equipment, allow Hampshire to maintain stable staffing levels while increasing output, a critical advantage in a tight labor market.
(Left to right) Matt Fredrickson, Director of Production Operations; Lucas Ellis, Sales Coordinator; Susan Castellanos, Director of Sales for House Plants;
Livia Glatz, Houseplant Buyer; Bob Whiteside, Vice President of Sales and Merchandising.
Staying Ahead of Consumer Trends
Hampshire Farms’ crop mix is constantly evolving, with around 800 SKUs in play at any given time. Decisions on what to trial, expand, or retire are made collaboratively by key team members.

A standout example is Castellanos, who transformed the houseplant program from a small sideline into a powerhouse that now accounts for roughly 40% of the company’s total revenue. By cultivating strong supplier relationships in Canada and Florida, she ensures a steady flow of unique and high-quality varieties. “What we do really well is data collection,” Castellanos says. “We can think we know what customers want, but the SKUs tell us exactly what’s selling. We also pay attention to what’s trending in home décor magazines.”

Her work keeps Hampshire’s houseplant displays fresh year-round in Home Depot stores, appealing to a wide audience of both seasoned collectors and first-time plant buyers. “The behavior of the customer is the same every year; it’s the color that’s always changing,” Castellanos says, highlighting the importance of seasonal freshness and visual impact in driving sales.

On the perennial side, Hampshire takes a design-focused approach, offering a wide palette of colors and textures to create standout displays. Perennials are trialed extensively in real-world Midwest conditions before being rolled out at scale, ensuring that new introductions perform as beautifully in a customer’s garden as they do in the greenhouse. This process helps strike a careful balance between novelty and reliability by introducing exciting new varieties without sacrificing the tried-and-true performers that customers count on. “We’re getting so granular now that we’re putting together product lines by color,” says Whiteside. “How many purple plants do we really need? How many blue? We dissect that information, check out the competition to see if any mixes are similar, and then figure out how to stay ahead. This makes all the difference in terms of satisfying our customers.”

Fredrickson says each potential introduction is evaluated through three lenses:
“We want plants that will make our customers successful,” Fredrickson says. “If they aren’t, they won’t come back.”

Hampshire also benefits from The Home Depot’s robust feedback loop. “They have access to incredible trend data, and they share it with us,” Castellanos says. “That allows us to make decisions based on real numbers.”
Financial Discipline with an Open Book
One of Hampshire’s defining practices is open-book management, which pulls back the curtain on the company’s finances so associates can see and understand the full picture. Each month, financial statements are reviewed by the management team, then discussed openly with staff in a way that connects the numbers to day-to-day operations. “It gives everyone a sense of ownership,” Wacker says. “They understand where the dollars come from and where they go, and how their role impacts both. The fact that our company owners fully embrace the open book philosophy is wonderful.”

This transparency builds trust and accountability, while also empowering associates to make smarter, more informed decisions in their own work areas. For example, when teams see how production efficiencies directly affect profitability, they’re more likely to embrace changes in workflow or invest extra effort in quality control.

Beyond internal reporting, Hampshire recently began participating in Dr. Charlie Hall’s industry benchmarking program, which compares their operational and financial performance to other greenhouse businesses across the country. The data provides a reality check, highlighting strengths as well as areas for improvement. Management can’t see that the benchmarking results are already shaping strategic conversations, from pricing strategies to capital investments, and offering a broader perspective beyond Hampshire’s own numbers. “It keeps us from operating in a bubble,” says Wacker. “We can see where we’re ahead, where we’re behind, and what best practices we can adopt from the wider industry.”
Collaboration and Continuous Learning
Wacker believes the future of horticulture depends on a culture of openness and shared knowledge. “Sharing best practices helps everyone place smarter bets on what’s next,” he says. 

Hampshire maintains close working relationships with suppliers, retail partners, and fellow growers, exchanging ideas on everything from crop timing and pest management strategies to merchandising displays and logistics. They actively participate in industry events, trade shows, and grower groups, ensuring that the team is exposed to new technologies, plant varieties, and market insights on a regular basis.

Their willingness to say “yes” to opportunities has opened doors to expansion into new Home Depot markets like St. Louis, the launch of innovative perennial trials, and the implementation of staff-driven solutions that make greenhouse operations more efficient. The team understands that while no single person has all the answers, the collective knowledge of a network can move an entire business forward faster.

Wacker sees this approach as both a business advantage and a moral imperative. “We don’t succeed in a vacuum,” he says. “If the industry thrives, we thrive. The more we collaborate, the stronger we all become.”