Houston Palm Tree was founded by Jerry & Mina Selvidge. They began in 1970 by selling palm trees out of the back of a truck on the side of the road. This was called spotting. Spotting was a very common way different vendors would show their merchandise on the backs of trucks and trailers. People would stop to view their wares, mostly at vacant shopping centers, gas stations and even the Galveston Seawall. Being that Galveston was a booming city, and the residents liked the tropical look, palm trees were popular and Jerry and Mina did well there.
After approximately 6 years, they decided to take a risk and rent a lot at 8630 Gulf Freeway. They erected a small tent and were mainly focusing on palm trees, but with the business growing, they soon added flowering potted plants and hanging baskets. They had no idea how this small business would do, but they were no stranger to hard work. With many long hours, occasional setbacks, and not knowing what would lie ahead, they relied on each other to keep going. This was the one thing that got them through.
The business soon skyrocketed, and the small lot was outgrowing itself. Knowing that they went from a roadside vendor to a flourishing business, they took a chance and made the move to 10226 Gulf Freeway. This was where the business would make its mark. Soon after that, they opened a second location at 20420 Gulf Freeway.
Jerry and Mina built the business on great products and even greater customer service. They have gone home now but the pride and perseverance it took to make Houston Palm Tree a success, will live on forever. |
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