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The History of Stuppy, Inc.
Stuppy Floral Company was founded in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1873 by L.J. Stuppy. The business started as a hobby and diversion to L.J.'s principal occupation as a court reporter. He grew plants and flowers in his own greenhouses and sold them on a retail basis. As the growing operations were expanded and more greenhouses added, surplus product was sold to other retailers and the wholesale business was established. Wholesaling of fresh flowers soon became the principal business with shipments being made as far away as Texas and Oklahoma. L.J.’s two sons, Francis X. and John Stuppy joined the business and incorporated Stuppy Floral in 1903. The company continued to operate the greenhouse growing ranges until 1978. In the 1920’s Francis expanded the business into Kansas City, MO, with the establishment of Stuppy Supply Company. The company sold mainly florist supplies (hardgoods) in and around Kansas City, MO. In 1937, Francis son, George L. Stuppy became president. The company continued to grow and expand. In 1957, a wholesale branch was opened in Topeka, KS. George’s youngest brother, Frank X. joined the company and led the Company into a new field: Greenhouse supplies. These two third generation Stuppy’s were each active for over 50 years in the business. In 1972, George’s son James (Jim) C. Stuppy joined the company. Throughout the next two decades the company continued to grow. The greenhouse supply division experienced tremendous growth and led to the manufacturing of commercial greenhouses. A floral wholesale branch operation was opened in Wichita, KS in 1980. The company purchased two other wholesale operations; Memphis, TN (opened in 1982, closed in 1989) and Quincy, IL purchased in 1984. In 1983, the Mid-America School of Floral Design was established to help educate retailers. In 1999, two of Jim’s sons, Matthew J. Stuppy and Frank X. Stuppy joined the organization. Robert L. Beeler was named President of all the companies and Jim was named Chairman and CEO. The history of the company has been intertwined with the history of the industry. Many members of our organization have served the industry in a number of leadership roles. This includes Secretary, Treasurer and President of the Society of American Florists. Two served as President of the Wholesale Florist’s & Florist Suppliers Association and the Missouri State Florist Association, and many other volunteer positions. For 130 years Stuppy, Inc. has proudly served our customers and we look forward to serving you for many more. History of Stuppy, Inc. 18__ - L.J. Stuppy was born son of Francis Xavier and Clare? 1873 – Stuppy Floral Company was founded in St. Joseph, MO by L.J. Stuppy 1903 – Stuppy Floral was incorporated by Francis X. and John Stuppy 1908 – L.J. Stuppy died. 1918 – John Stuppy died. 1920’s – Stuppy Supply Company founded in Kansas City, MO 1922 – Francis X. Stuppy died. 1937 – George Stuppy became President 19?? – Frank X. Stuppy joined the company. 1957 – Wholesale operation was opened in Topeka, KS. 1972 – James C. Stuppy joined the company 1975 – James was named President and Chief Executive Officer 1978 – The greenhouse growing ranges closed. 1980 – Wholesale operation was opened in Wichita, KS 1982 – Wholesale operation was purchased in Memphis, TN. 1983 – Mid-America School of Floral Design was started. 1984 – Wholesale operation was purchased in Quincy, IL. 1989 – Memphis, TN location was closed. 1991 – Frank X. Stuppy died. 1997 – George L. Stuppy died. 1999 – Matthew J. and Frank X. Stuppy joined the company. 2005 – Matthew named President of Stuppy Greenhouse Manufacturing 2006 – Frank X. named President of Stuppy Floral Products Co
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