Industry mourns bedding plant pioneer Bert R. Hybels
Bert R. Hybels, 84, of Marco Island, Florida, died on Nov. 2. Born on Aug. 24, 1940 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hybels studied political science at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.
On Sept. 7, 1963, he married his high school and college sweetheart, Helen Lynnette Higgins. Their marriage spanned over six decades.
In 1965, the year his first son, Sam, was born, Hybels completed his master’s of business administration from Western Michigan University and founded his company, Bert R. Hybels Inc.
In the beginning, the company shipped mainly produce and some plants, but transitioned to shipping bedding plants (annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets) to garden centers in 26 states.
Hybels served as a mentor to others who went on to launch their own businesses. Today, two of his sons carry on the family business.
He will be remembered for being genuine and straightforward, for his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, sharp business mind, and integrity.
Read his full obituary here.
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