In the highly competitive world of cut flowers, Janet and Curtis Louie say they've kept Green Valley Floral "ahead of the curve" by diversifying, paying attention to details and providing their customers with outstanding service.
Founded by her parents, Mike and Tomi Matsuno, Janet and her husband now oversee the day-to-day operations of the company. Curtis is the general manager and Janet is the sales and human resources manager. Although Mike Matsuno has retired, he still can be found around the firm's 650,000-square-foot greenhouse operation while Tomi Matsuno is often down on the packing floor helping sort and grade flowers. She also handles special projects, such as the firm's recent foray into local farmers markets in downtown Monterey and Pacific Grove.
Located south of Salinas on Potter Road, Green Valley Floral is Veriflora-certified for sustainability and offers a wide range of garden and hybrid tea roses, gerberas and oriental and hybrid lilies that are purchased by florists throughout North America.
Born in Japan, Mike and Tomi Matsuno settled in the Salinas Valley when Janet was about 4 years old in the late 1960s. They grew carnations for a very short while before switching to all roses.
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