April 1, 2011

Visiting The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Headquarters

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Marysville, Ohio, to visit The Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company, the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products.  The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company was founded in 1868 by O.M. Scott as a premium seed company for the United States agricultural industry.  In 1995, the company celebrated a significant milestone when Scotts, the leading lawn care brand, merged with Miracle-Gro, the leading gardening brand, creating The Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company.  I had actually received an invitation from CEO Jim Hagedorn, who wanted me to take part in their company CEO Speaker Series.  I spoke to a full house in the headquarter’s 85-seat learning center about my experiences in the garden and my experiences in running a business.

In addition to meeting Jim, I also got to meet his lovely wife, Karli.  I was very interested to learn that they own Spring Brook Farm, a traditional dairy farm located in Reading, Vermont.  Upon this 1,000-acre expanse, Jim and Karli have established a wonderful foundation called Farms for City Kids.   During a free weeklong stay, urban children get to experience farm life firsthand, from growing fruits and vegetables, to caring for farm animals, to seeing how the farm’s award-winning artisanal Tarentaise Cheese is made.

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Photos By Martha Stewart @marthastewart and Eliad Laskin @joemartha