September 2024 — Abbotsford, BC – Brands in Blooms is proud to announce the appointment of three influential leaders in the horticultural space to its board of directors.
We are excited to welcome Ellie Longfellow Bilodeau to join our board with Peter Mezitt, Brie Arthur, and Brett Mahoney.
Together, these new board members bring decades of combined experience in garden center operations, retail innovation, and horticultural advocacy, forming a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise poised to steer the industry's future.
Their combined leadership will enhance Brands in Blooms’ mission to help garden centers survive and thrive in a rapidly changing consumer landscape.
The garden center industry is experiencing a transformation as younger generations begin to explore gardening. To meet the demands of this evolving market, garden centers must innovate—not only in their operations but in their ability to inspire and engage customers.
Brands in Blooms recognizes that fostering this innovation requires leadership from individuals who deeply understand horticulture's operational and creative aspects.
Ellie Longfellow Bilodeau, Peter Mezitt, Brie Arthur, and Brett Mahoney embody the kind of visionary leadership necessary for this endeavor. Their collective insight spans from optimizing retail operations and enhancing customer experiences to promoting sustainable gardening practices and fostering a passion for horticulture.
With their combined leadership, the Brands in Blooms board will support garden centers in adapting to new trends, encouraging the growth of the next generation of gardeners, and ensuring long-term success.
Ellie Longfellow Bilodeau
Ellie Longfellow Bilodeau is a third-generation and future co-owner of Longfellow’s Greenhouses in Manchester, Maine.
Growing up in the family business alongside her two brothers, Ellie has held various roles at Longfellow’s throughout her life.
After earning her college degree, and while pursuing her MBA, she gained valuable management experience in the hospitality and retail industries. In 2020, she rekindled her passion for horticulture and returned to Longfellow’s full-time.
Ellie specializes in bedding plants, vegetable and herb gardening, and houseplants. She also oversees Longfellow’s social media and marketing efforts.
Her favourite indoor plants are orchids and African violets.
Peter Mezitt
Peter Mezitt is the owner and president of Weston Nurseries, a leading name in the Boston area’s garden center industry.
Since assuming leadership in 2006, Peter has overseen Weston’s expansion to four retail locations and has grown its wholesale division. His strategic vision has led to the success of Weston Nurseries’ operations in Hopkinton, Chelmsford, Hingham, and the newly added Lincoln location, along with the establishment of a new wholesale site in Middleborough.
With deep experience in retail operations and a passion for fostering both plants and people, Peter’s leadership will be a vital asset in helping garden centers across North America flourish.
Brie Arthur
Brie Arthur joins the Brands in Blooms board as a celebrated horticulturist, bestselling author, and advocate for consumer gardening.
Her two decades of experience, combined with her academic background in Landscape Design and Horticulture from Purdue University, have led her to become a prominent voice in the gardening community. Brie has inspired countless individuals through her two bestselling books, "The Foodscape Revolution" and "Gardening with Grains," as well as her contributions to the Emmy-winning PBS series "Growing a Greener World."
Brie's commitment to sustainable gardening and ability to captivate audiences will help Brands in Blooms bring new energy and creativity to nationwide garden centers.
Brett Mahoney
As the third generation in a family of garden center experts, Brett Mahoney brings over 15 years of operational expertise to Brands in Blooms.
A graduate of Boston College with concentrations in Marketing and Operations, Brett has been instrumental in optimizing the efficiency of Mahoney’s Garden Centers through lean methods.
His background in inventory management, purchasing control, wholesale operations, and his leadership at two of Mahoney’s largest locations gives Brett a keen understanding of the values of modern retail customers.
His insights will help shape how garden centers adapt to today’s evolving market and drive lasting customer engagement.
The Power of Leadership in Horticulture
Having a board composed of leaders like Ellie, Peter, Brie, and Brett is more than just an asset for Brands in Blooms—it’s a crucial factor in the future success of garden centers everywhere.
In an industry that relies on a deep connection between business and nature, these leaders bring the necessary expertise to help garden centers evolve into vibrant hubs of sustainability, community, and inspiration.
Their guidance will enable Brands in Blooms to offer garden centers the tools they need to innovate and create engaging experiences for a new generation of gardeners.
By staying ahead of market trends and promoting sustainable practices, this board will ensure that garden centers remain not just relevant but essential in the lives of their customers.
More About Brands in Blooms
Brands in Blooms is committed to empowering garden centers to connect with the next generation of gardeners. With innovative marketing strategies, a focus on sustainable practices, and a mission to help garden centers thrive in today’s marketplace, Brands in Blooms is leading the way in driving the future of horticulture.