Owen Holmes was a WWII veteran who returned to Newberry in 1946. He and his partner Bill Carter wanted to grow orchids, but they first started a florist shop. Corsages were in great demand for Valentines Day, Easter and Mother's Day. They ran the shop for 10 years, and grew the orchids on the side. As soon as the orchids broke even, they sold the florist shop.
They began hybridizing orchids in the 50's. They developed their own laboratory in the 70's. They have since developed over 10,000 registered "crosses."
Today, Carter and Holmes has 100,000 square feet of green houses. They sell orchids and ferns (their other specialty) all over the world. Visiting the orchid factory is a great experience. You are greeted by a parrot who can break an eardrum if you get too close. They have some of the most beautiful plants that I have ever seen. They showed me one plant that had generated over a million dollars in revenues from crossing with other plants. They welcome visitors to the facility.
Owen Holmes is 84 and a member of the Rotary Club of Newberry. His son Mac is a lawyer by training, also a Rotarian and involved in the business.Owen says that he has no interest in retiring. He believes that God called his business partner Bill Carter home to tend the orchid gardens in heaven. He is a little concerned that Bill may need some help.
Thank you, Owen and Bill and Mac. Your business makes the world a better place.
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