In case you missed it, we were proud to have been featured in Simply Family Magazine last year. Below is the excerpt.
MULTI-GENERATIONAL ~ BILLINGS NURSERY & LANDSCAPING
Andrew Marble, Landscape Designer/Manager, 3rd generation
One of our original Billings Nursery and Landscaping signs for the 60s.
The backstory – Billings Nursery & Landscaping got its start in 1952 at 7900 South Frontage Road, but for the Marble family, the story began in 1968 when Robert and Joanne Marble moved their family to Montana and bought the business. They would go on to raise their family on-site of their business, in the same house Andrew’s parents live in now, and that Andrew grew up in. The business has grown over the years with the hard work of the Marbles’ sons, grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and loyal employees. A second location was purchased at 2147 Poly Drive. Presently, Richard (Andrew’s father) is still active in the business, while transitioning to the third generation – Andrew.
The balance – Working with family, shares Andrew, is mostly great; particularly getting to see family throughout the day. He notes that they have strived to treat all employees like family, however “we demand our family to be employees first.” Finding his own place in the business took time, as he recalls not initially wanting to be in this business after seeing all of the hard work and long hours that his dad put into the business. Yet the idea of working with his hands and being able to do different things, like designing and working outside, drew him back and now, he says, “I love what I do, and I can say that almost every day.” Andrew goes on to share that “Balancing work, and home life is perhaps the most difficult thing for a small business owner – especially for a seasonal business.” His family has grown accustomed to his working long hours for nine months, finding more of a balance in the winter. He notes that his balance is “more in terms of months than days; I try to make whatever moments I do have with my children count. Quality of time is important.” If one day his children wanted to continue the business, “That would be great,” he says, “but I would be equally happy if they chose something different. God gives everyone special gifts and talents, so I want them to discover what they are and pursue where they are called.”
The Marble family (L to R): Rich, wife Bobbi, son Andrew and nephew Cuyler
Billings proud – Raising a family in both this state and community, they’ve found it to be a great place to live and raise their children, thanks in large part to the “terrific people that live and work here with us.” While there are plenty of things to do in Billings, what really makes a community great, reflects Andrew, are relationships. He notes that the business has supported many families through the years because of hard work and the faithfulness of so many loyal customers. “We have been blessed by our community and continue to try to give back as much as we can.”
Community caring – 1. Billings has blessed us with tremendous success, and in return, we have been able to help many non-profits, community organizations, churches, and individuals with their work in making Billings better. 2. By God’s grace, we have been able to make a living in a space that can be difficult; provide a living wage for our employees, and help people succeed in life. 3. We hope that we are able to continue making an impact on our community by being a leader in the nursery and landscape industries, beautifying the city with quality green spaces, and helping others are much as we are able.