Chicago, IL: Hillcrest Garden Inc. and Kennicott Brothers Company announce that they will be joining forces on March 1, 2019. Kennicott Brothers Company will acquire certain operating assets of Hillcrest. Operations will continue as usual to serve florists in northern New Jersey and the greater metropolitan area of New York City.
Founded in 1936 by Eric Levy Sr., Hillcrest Garden Inc. started in Park Ridge, NJ as a grower-wholesale operation selling flowers to retail florists off of route trucks. In the early 1970s, Leonard “Len” Levy took over the business as the operation began to grow rapidly, moving from several small locations to a 22,000 square foot building. In 1994, Hillcrest moved into a building more than twice that size in Paramus, NJ, expanding its product offering into supplies and plants. Throughout, Hillcrest maintained its reputation as the area’s most trusted distributor, supporting florists with exceptional service and products. Brothers Eric Levy Jr. and Larry Levy, will remain in management at the Hillcrest location.
The number of wholesale distribution facilities under the Chicago-based Kennicott umbrella is expanded to a total of 17 locations servicing florists daily in 13 states. The addition of Hillcrest continues to build on the company’s strategic plan of growth and market expansion.
Chairman Leonard “Len” Levy of Hillcrest states that “This union will perpetuate my dream of continuing to provide our customers with the very finest flowers by the same wonderful people who have made Hillcrest successful.”
President Gustavo Gilchrist of Kennicott Brothers adds that “This will be a great marriage of two companies which share similar values and cultures. We look forward to merging our strengths to provide additional value to our customers, suppliers and owners- who are the current employees, as members of our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).
