Albion, Maine
August 2, 2000, 

Rob Johnston, owner and chief executive officer of Johnny's Selected Seeds, recently announced to staff that he is beginning an active search for new general management.

"When the company was small, I could handle the management aspects of the business, but that doesn't work as well now that the business is growing so much," says Johnston. The company, which he began in a farmhouse attic in 1972, has grown to an $8.4-million business employing 82 year-round staff and 32 additional seasonal employees.

"I want to devote my time to what I do best--the product development, dreaming up new varieties, and investigating the possibilities of new things for marketing and operations," Johnston says. "I'm ready to turn the general management over to someone with real skill, energy, and enthusiasm as a manager."

New general management could come in one of several forms. Johnston is beginning a simultaneous search for a general manager, a possible partner firm, and a possible buyer. His search concept is designed to keep company options open.

"These are mutually exclusive options. If I make progress on locating a strong general manager, I would stop searching for a partner or a new owner; if I find a great partner prospect, I would stop searching for a general manager," he says. "My objective is to find the best management for Johnny's Selected Seeds--in whatever form that may be--so that I can concentrate on the creative product development that built the company's reputation. I want an opportunity that will grow Johnny's, better serve our customers, and allow me to stay involved full-time in my creative role for another 10 years or more."

In a company-wide announcement made Tuesday, August 1, Johnston spelled out his desire to maintain the Johnny's identity as a company, its Albion, Maine base, and the current employees in their jobs in the event of a sale or merger. He says that he is looking for candidates with proven business management success, the ability to excite continual improvements that will benefit Johnny's customers, and enthusiasm for the company's mission to provide superior product, research, technical information, and service.

"I am looking for general management that will be enthusiastic about leading Johnny's Selected Seeds in helping families and friends feed each other. I am remaining open about the form that that management might take," Johnston says.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds provides quality vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, as well as accessories, to home garden and commercial growers. An independent company since 1973, Johnny’s prides itself on its superior product, research, technical information, and service. All its seeds and accessories are thoroughly tested at the 25-acre facility in Albion, Maine. For more information, visit the company website at www.johnnyseeds.com or call 207-437-4301.

Company news release
N2889