Bold Spring Nursery, LLC

Background

Founded in 1985 by John Barbour, Bold Spring Nursery, LLC is a premier wholesale tree grower specializing in the cultivation of shade and ornamental trees. Initially established on a 13-acre plot in Walton County, Georgia, the nursery expanded to 400 acres over two decades. In 2008, operations were relocated to a 1,200-acre farm in Pulaski County, near Hawkinsville, Georgia, to accommodate further growth and innovation. The company's mission is to "build trees" that offer long-term value to customers and communities by ensuring their products reach their full natural potential in longevity, appearance, and environmental benefits.

Key Strategic Focus

Bold Spring Nursery emphasizes quality, diversity, and innovation in its operations. The company offers a broad mix of preferred varieties of shade and ornamental trees, managed to perform successfully in urban forests. Their trees are harvested with a sound root system, processed with burlap and wire, and shipped to customers across 29 states, from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas to Illinois. The nursery collaborates with researchers, universities, arboretums, plant enthusiasts, and other nurseries to develop and introduce improved tree varieties, including several biological patents.

Financials and Funding

As of the latest available data, Bold Spring Nursery reported annual revenues of approximately $5.9 million and employs around 29 individuals. The company has raised a total of $350,000 in funding over one round.

Pipeline Development

Bold Spring Nursery offers a diverse selection of tree varieties, including:

• Blood Moon® Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum ‘RustyAllen’ PP 32,033): A new addition to the Trident Maple cultivars, exclusive to Bold Spring.

• Rachel's Ribboncloud American Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus ‘Rachel’s Ribboncloud’): Selected for its overwhelming display of flowers, creating a solid mass of white ribbons.

• Minaret Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana ‘Minaret’): Chosen for its upright habit, this variety is suitable for various landscapes.

• Green Gable™ Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica ‘NSUHH’ PP22951): A standout selection known for its adaptability and aesthetic appeal.

These offerings reflect the nursery's commitment to providing high-quality, innovative tree varieties to meet diverse customer needs.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Bold Spring Nursery is dedicated to developing and offering exciting tree varieties that succeed in specific environments, including urban landscapes, wet conditions, alkaline soils, and compact soils. The company actively pursues building more valuable trees that are ready to reach their full natural potential in longevity, appearance, and their ability to deliver maximum environmental and economic benefits over their lifetimes.

Leadership Team

• John Barbour: Founder and President, with over 28 years of experience in the nursery business. He serves on the board of Trees Atlanta and has been named Georgia Green Industry Professional of the Year.

• Sandra Brockmann: Chief Financial Officer, managing inventory, accounting, and human resource functions, with 34 years of accounting experience.

• Lisa J. Lightfoot, ASLA: Sales Representative for Georgia, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, with tenure at Bold Spring since 1997.

• Sam Rogers: Sales Representative for all other states, a trained horticulturist who joined the company in 2002.

• Hillary Barber: Marketing and Product Development, with an extensive background in horticulture and publishing, joined the company in 2003.

• John Kaczynski: Farm Operations Manager, overseeing growing, harvesting, and shipping activities with a seasoned management team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nursery industry continues to thrive despite challenges such as labor shortages, increasing costs, and regulatory changes. The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for nursery stock as people engaged in home improvement projects. Innovations in mechanization and technology are helping nurseries adapt to these challenges.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the wholesale tree nursery market include:

• Stockhaven Nursery: Approximately 20 employees, with revenues around $6.8 million.

• Fox Ridge Nursery: Approximately 15 employees, with revenues around $4.2 million.

• Tidewater Tree Transplanters: Approximately 5 employees, with revenues around $781,000.

• Eternal Springs Nursery: Approximately 6 employees, with revenues around $886,000.

• Angelina Plant Farm: Approximately 6 employees, with revenues around $1.9 million.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Bold Spring Nursery collaborates with a wide network of researchers, universities, arboretums, plant enthusiasts, and other nurseries to develop and introduce improved tree varieties. These partnerships enhance the nursery's innovation capacity and market position.

Operational Insights

The nursery's strategic relocation to a 1,200-acre farm in Pulaski County was driven by the need for expansion and operational efficiency. The new location offers prime soil, abundant water supply, and proximity to major transportation routes, enabling the nursery to nearly triple its capacity.