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7 Shocking Facts About McKay Nursery Waterloo WI: The 125-Year-Old Company That Changed Nursery History

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Few companies boast a legacy spanning over 125 years, yet McKay Nursery Company in Waterloo, Wisconsin, stands as a rare and thriving example in the horticultural world. As of late December 2025, this premier wholesale plant nursery and garden center continues to set industry standards, not just for the quality of its northern hardy plants, but for its pioneering business structure and environmental stewardship. If you've ever purchased a tree, shrub, or perennial in the Midwest, there is a high likelihood the roots of that plant's journey trace back to the farmlands of southern Wisconsin, where McKay has cultivated a tradition of excellence since the 19th century. The company’s continued success is a testament to its commitment to homegrown quality and a unique, employee-focused business model.

The story of McKay Nursery is far more than just selling plants; it is a deep narrative of innovation, resilience, and a revolutionary commitment to its people and the planet. From its humble beginnings selling fruit trees to becoming the first nursery in the nation to achieve a groundbreaking certification, McKay’s history is packed with pivotal moments that reshaped the entire industry. This article uncovers the most fascinating and little-known facts about this Wisconsin institution.

The Complete Profile of McKay Nursery Company

The history of McKay Nursery Company is a rich tapestry woven into the agricultural and business landscape of Wisconsin. Founded just before the turn of the 20th century, the company quickly established itself as a reliable source for quality, cold-tolerant plants, a critical need for gardeners and landscapers across the Midwest and beyond.

  • Official Name: McKay Nursery Company
  • Headquarters Location: 750 South Monroe Street, PO Box 185, Waterloo, WI 53594
  • Founded: 1897
  • Founder: William McKay
  • Primary Business: Wholesale Plant Nursery, Retail Garden Center, Landscaping Design and Installation, Mail-Order Catalog
  • Key Figures in History: William McKay (Founder), Karl Junginger (Pivotal Second President/Owner)
  • Ownership Structure: Employee-Owned (ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
  • Annual Revenue (Est.): $26.5 Million
  • Geographic Focus: Northern Hardy Plants, serving the Midwest and shipping nationally.
  • Notable Achievements: Nation's first SANC-Certified Nursery (2016).

1. The 1897 Founding and the Northern Hardy Niche

McKay Nursery Company was established by William McKay in 1897 on the fertile farmlands of southern Wisconsin. In the late 19th century, acquiring reliable plant stock that could withstand the harsh, unpredictable winters of the Midwest was a significant challenge for farmers and homeowners. The company’s early focus on growing and supplying northern hardy plants—species specifically adapted to cold climates—immediately filled a crucial market need. This commitment to growing "plant farmers" from the start, rather than sourcing from warmer regions, cemented McKay's reputation for quality and resilience, a core value that remains today.

2. The Revolutionary 1984 Reinvention and ESOP Model

While the company was a respected institution, a pivotal moment occurred in 1984 when the business was "reinvented." This transformation was spearheaded by Karl Junginger, who became the second president/owner in the company's long history. Junginger was passionate about the company's commitment to its workforce, leading to the adoption of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This structure turned the company into an employee-owned business, giving every worker a vested interest in the quality of the plants and the success of the operation. This revolutionary model fostered a close-knit organization and ensured a deep level of pride and care in the homegrown products, differentiating McKay from many competitors.

3. Nation’s First SANC Certification: A New Era of Biosecurity

One of the most significant and recent achievements for the Waterloo facility came in August 2016 when McKay Nursery Company was designated as the first nursery in the nation to achieve System Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC). This is a massive distinction, highlighting the company's role as a leader in plant health and biosecurity. The SANC program is a voluntary, auditable system designed to ensure the production of healthy, pest-free plants. Key figures like Tom Buechel were involved in the development of the SANC project, demonstrating McKay's commitment to collaborating with organizations like the National Plant Board to elevate industry standards.

4. The Legacy of Horticultural Innovation and Unique Cultivars

McKay’s long history has included significant contributions to horticulture, often through the work of its key personnel. Karl Junginger, besides his role in the ESOP, was a noted University of Wisconsin Horticulturist. He is famously associated with the development of the Jefferson Ash, a tree that became a part of Midwest history books. This lineage of expertise ensures that McKay's extensive plant catalog—featuring thousands of trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, and groundcovers—is curated with an expert eye for regional suitability and resilience.

5. A Multi-Faceted Business Model Beyond the Nursery

While the wholesale plant nursery operation forms the backbone of the company, McKay Nursery Company has diversified its services to reach a broader customer base. Today, it operates as a full-service entity, including its McKay Garden Centers division, which features a wide selection of plants, herbs, vegetables, and yard decor. Furthermore, the company provides comprehensive landscaping design and installation services, particularly for those living within a 100-mile radius of the Waterloo headquarters. The robust online mail-order system, complete with a plant warranty, allows customers nationwide to access their high-quality stock.

6. Commitment to Industry Advancement and Philanthropy

The leadership at McKay has consistently shown a dedication to the future of the green industry. Karl Junginger, for example, made a substantial donation of $100,000 to the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI)'s "Key To Progress" fundraising campaign. This philanthropic spirit, combined with active membership in key organizations like the Wisconsin Land Conservation Assistance Network (WLCA) Metro Milwaukee and the recent joining of the Legendary Lake Mills Chamber, underscores McKay’s role as a major industry stakeholder and a committed community partner.

7. The Financial Strength of an Employee-Owned Giant

The combination of a century-plus history, a quality-first focus on northern hardy stock, and the stability of the ESOP model has resulted in significant financial success. With an estimated annual revenue of $26.5 million, McKay Nursery Company is a major player in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors of Wisconsin. This financial strength ensures the company can continue its mission: growing healthy, high-quality, homegrown plants and trees in the southern farmlands of Wisconsin, securing its legacy for another century. The staff, which includes experienced horticulturists and specialists, take great pride in their work, knowing the success of the company is directly tied to their own well-being.

The Enduring Legacy of Waterloo, WI

McKay Nursery Company is not just a business; it is a vital piece of the Waterloo, Wisconsin identity. Its dedication to quality, from the smallest perennial to the largest shade tree, is evident in its 125-year-old mission. By pioneering the SANC certification and embracing the employee-owned ESOP model, McKay has proven that a traditional agricultural business can be a model for modern sustainability and corporate responsibility. For anyone seeking resilient, high-quality plant material, the McKay Nursery catalog remains the gold standard, a testament to the enduring vision of William McKay and the dedication of its employee-owners.

7 Shocking Facts About McKay Nursery Waterloo WI: The 125-Year-Old Company That Changed Nursery History
mckay nursery waterloo wi
mckay nursery waterloo wi

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