Thirty years ago, Mike and Sandy Williams built their flower business and greenhouse literally from scratch.
When the business expanded and more greenhouses were needed, Mike Williams and Juan Partida built them. Partida has been a part of the Williams Flower Co. now for more than 20 years and manages the operation.
Before starting the business in Grand Island, the couple lived in Hastings. Sandy Williams worked for a greenhouse for seven years there before moving to Grand Island to start their business in 1989.
Initially, they built five greenhouses.
“We kept building and adding more greenhouses,” Sandy Williams said. “We were doing good enough, and we expanded our business.”
About three years ago, the Williams sold their original lot (where Taco Bell is now located) to concentrate the business at its current location. She said when they sold that property, Partida came over to the present site. He helped the Williams expand their business from just bedding plants to growing fresh flowers and selling flora arrangements for different occasions, such as weddings and funerals to events. They have also expanded into indoor and outdoor landscaping.