Worm's Way Celebrates 20 Years

Worm's Way celebrated its 20th anniversary on September 1st, 2005 and commemorated the important milestone with festivities company-wide.

Many changes have come since the original State Road 446 bait-shop-turned-garden-center first opened its doors to the Bloomington community in 1985. Now a nationally recognized provider of hydroponics, organics, and year-round specialty gardening products, the earth-friendly company employs over 90 team members and encompasses five additional stores in Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee, national mail order services, a wholesale division known as BWGS and California-based BWGS West, and its own line of quality gardening products listed under the Sunleaves Garden Products label.

Upon reaching the platinum landmark, founder and CEO Martin Heydt said, "It's hard to believe it's been 20 years but it's still exciting to come to work every day and be part of this progressive industry." Heydt also relayed that the 2001 implementation of the Worm's Way Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) was an accomplishment that stands out during the company's 20-year tenure because it gave eligible employees part ownership of the company and a personal investment in a long-term future.

Worm's Way is proud to share two decades of success with the Bloomington community. Stop in the garden center on north 37 for a bit of nostalgia and see the original Worm's Way sign and service counter on display. You can also join in the 20-year celebration by participating in the "Oldest Catalog" contest where monthly winners will receive a $25 Worm's Way gift certificate - contest details are available in-store and online at wormsway.com.