Vital Earth / Carl Pool

Chamblee's Rose Nursery, just south of I-20 on highway 69 in Tyler, Texas, currently has over five acres of container roses in production, in 32 greenhouses. Specializing in Old Garden Roses and miniatures, they also supply standard and patented hybrid roses, shrub roses, and ground cover roses. The nursery has been owned and operated by Mark Chamblee since 1974. Mark's dad, Roland, began field growing roses in 1953 and began potting roses in 1973. Their target markets are retail garden centers, small chains, and independent stores, while their niche in the market is hard-to-find high quality antique roses. Mark approaches his business with enthusiasm. "If I don't enjoy my work, then it's not worth it. This business is hard work without a big financial reward." He focuses on producing good products at reasonable prices, while hiring employees who are customer oriented. Mark is very proud of his staff. "I don't believe there is a better staff anywhere than the one we have." He gets great personal satisfaction from giving customers the very best: quality plants at a reasonable price with unmatched customer service.

Initially, workers at the nursery mixed their own soil. However, raw materials were inconsistent, so mixes varied. To save money, produce higher quality roses, and gain consistency in materials they had their soils professionally mixed.

In 1984 Mark Chamblee was one of Vital Earth's earliest customers. Their partnership has proven very successful for both companies ever since. Vital Earth has provided Chamblee's Rose Nursery with a consistent, high quality rose mix they have grown to depend on. The key to growing roses or other plants is to establish a program that emphasizes quality materials and high uniformity. Vital Earth's rose mix has given them both.

Mark has also used and retailed many Carl Pool fertilizer blends. Carl Pool's Rose Food and BR-61 are two of Mark's favorites. They also sell Vital Earth's Ready Rose Mix to retail customers.

Mark's loyalty to Vital Earth revolves around the service he expects and always receives. There have been few problems, but when they have occurred Mark said they have been solved immediately. The key to a successful business is focus. Mark hires the best people, buys the best products, and makes a concerted effort to put the customer first. He also is not against change, and is always looking for new ways to promote his business to new customers while maintaining unmatched service to existing ones.

Chamblee's Rose Nursery's relationship with Vital Earth Resources demonstrates how a long-term alliance can be beneficial to both companies. Working together to meet mutual goals keeps both businesses on the path to success. Visit their web site at www.chambleeroses.com, e-mail them at roses@tyler.com, or call (800)256-7673 or (903)882-5153.