The Nature's Select® Story
Our Combined Story Is About Professional Entrepreneurship
Origins
Nature's Select's founder, the late Bill Hildebolt, gained his interest and appreciation for nature and organic systems as a boy on the family farm in Eaton, Ohio. He followed that interest to Ohio State University where he earned his doctorate in food technology. At that time he was introduced to the business world, joining the Campbell Soup Company in their product development group. He rose steadily through the ranks, gaining credit for over 20 patents, leading to the development of Prego Spaghetti Sauce, and ultimately becoming vice president.
1994
After spending six years at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as vice president of their food division where he led research and development, he decided it was time to get back to nature. With a vision of responding to the growing public interest in the environment, he founded Nature's Select Premium Turf Services in 1994, drawing upon his knowledge of nature's role in soil systems.
Soon after opening Nature's Select, Bill was joined by Gene Queen. Together they ran a successful lawn care company using a biologically enhanced approach, creating healthy soils in hundreds of home lawns. We consider this the first Nature's Select Operating Unit.
2009
In 2009 Bill was serving as president of the Professional Landcare Network and writing a book, “The Professional Entrepreneur,” which conveys his business insights and the stories of twelve green-industry entrepreneurs.
While writing his book, Bill met Robert Hayter, a green industry consultant and business owner. Bill asked Robert to offer a perspective on expanding Nature's Select. That conversation led to exploring a business development approach by establishing partnerships with full-service landscape companies. It took a few years to develop a sound business model.
2014
In 2014 the second Nature's Select Operating Unit was formed with Morris Newlin, owner of New Garden Landscaping in Greensboro, North Carolina. Within five years it grew from 300 to 1,200 customers.
2017
In 2017 The NS Group, Inc. was formed. It owns the intellectual property and business development rights for Nature's Select. Its sole purpose is to expand the Nature's Select brand by establishing Nature's Select partnerships.
From our beginning, we have grown with care. We believe in taking time to explore new possibilities and learn about our craft and related science while adjusting to work with nature as we create healthy soils.
2018
In 2018 the third Nature's Select Operating Unit was formed with Billy Gray, owner of The Southern Landscape Group in Pinehurst, North Carolina. They grew from 240 to 850 customers in five years.
Today
Nature's Select is a growing brand, managed by the NS Group, Inc., which serves thousands of customers and offers franchise opportunities to select partners.
Your story begins here.