Gratitude Spurs Us On

A NOTE FROM CHRIS KENNEDY

 

We recently took a moment to toast the one person whose presence spans all 61 years with Kennedy’s—my dad, Robert ‘Bob’ Kennedy. It would have happened last year on the milestone 60th mark, but 2020 had other plans.

So when Bob and Diane Kennedy were visiting last week, it felt like the right time to pause, be grateful and celebrate our history, our current team, many important alumni and a handful of distinguished vendors, partners and long-term clients.

It turned out to be a beautiful night as we gathered everyone on our patio and attempted to express our gratitude for 61 years of growth together. My dad, Bob Kennedy, guided us through the humble early years as Country Farm Gardens Nursery (as we were known in the 60s), when we still farmed and harvested many of the plants we sold. Bob worked hard and boot-strapped his way to success, something my great grandfather, Alex Kennedy, would have loved to see. He helped my dad buy the business and it’s not hard to imagine how proud he would be to see Kennedy’s Country Gardens today.

We also raised a glass to our staff. We are so appreciative of this team. These people are resilient, and have helped Kennedy’s and our customers safely thrive throughout the pandemic. We honored three recently retired team members (Valerie Flynn, Gwen Frazer and Diane Kennedy), all of whom are only a bat-phone call away and who provided more than 80 years of combined service to Kennedy’s customers.

My dad recently passed Kennedy’s on to me, and my job as a third-generation nurseryman is not to mess things up too badly! My goal is to have a thriving business to pass on to my kids, Brooks and Riley, if they have interest in carrying on the legacy.

Special thanks to all of our loyal customers throughout the years. You are the reason we get to spend each day in our favorite place, doing what we love. Also a big thanks to local businesses Ellen MacKensie Catering, Inc, Veronica’s Sweetcakes, and Kjeld Mahoney Photography for making our party a beautiful and delicious success.

“When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.”

– Wilferd A. Peterson