A.M. Leonard, Inc. is a prominent company in the horticultural tool and supply industry, with a rich history dating back to 1885. The company was founded by Ashbel Merrel Leonard in Piqua, Ohio, initially as a nursery in his backyard. Over the years, it has grown into a leading provider of high-quality tools and supplies for the horticultural and landscaping industries.

Company History and Evolution

In 1912, Ashbel Merrel Leonard, along with his sons Parker and Stanley, established A.M. Leonard & Sons as a nursery and landscaping service. The business further evolved in 1928 when A.M. Leonard and his youngest son John started a wholesale horticultural tool and supply company. This new venture aimed to serve nursery and landscape customers with the finest quality tools and supplies.

Following the death of A.M. Leonard in 1941, John Leonard became the President of the company. John was known for his exceptional customer service skills, which included mailing out 7,500 pocket-sized catalogs per year and personally monitoring customer purchases. His dedication to customer service often resulted in increased sales and customer loyalty.

In February 1964, Howard Kyle became a partner with John Leonard. Howard had a strong background in the nursery and mail-order businesses, which he leveraged to expand A.M. Leonard’s catalog and merchandising operations. Under Howard’s leadership, the company emphasized customer service, product dependability, and fast order response, catering to a diverse clientele, including growers, landscapers, foresters, arborists, contractors, golf courses, resorts, grounds management, and gardeners.

Growth and Expansion

The company’s continuous growth necessitated several relocations to accommodate its expanding operations. In 1979, A.M. Leonard moved to a 20,000 square foot facility with 15 employees. Fourteen years later, in November 1993, the company constructed a new 50,000 square foot facility to better serve its customers and the community.

In 1996, A.M. Leonard produced its first Retail Catalog to reach serious home gardeners. As this segment of the business continued to grow, the company reintroduced the Retail publication as A.M. Leonard’s Gardeners Edge in 2005, offering gardeners a wide selection of quality products that were not readily available locally.

Corporate Account Program and Brand Tools

In 1999, A.M. Leonard introduced an industry-exclusive Corporate Account Program. This service provides professional customers with a dedicated Account Manager who is committed to understanding their business and ensuring their continued success. The goal of this program is to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations.

The same year, A.M. Leonard launched its line of A.M. Leonard Brand Tools. These tools are designed to offer the quality and features that most manufacturers are unwilling to provide, all at a competitive price. The A.M. Leonard line of tools has become synonymous with durability and reliability, helping customers achieve outstanding results.

Online Presence and Product Offerings

The advent of the internet has added a new dimension to A.M. Leonard’s business activities. The company has established a strong online presence with two company websites and sales through Amazon.com. This online expansion has allowed A.M. Leonard to reach a broader audience and provide customers with convenient access to their extensive product range.

A.M. Leonard offers a wide variety of products, including fertilizers, hoses, shovels, shears, insecticides, weed barriers, outdoor power equipment, and other horticultural tools. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its diverse product offerings and exceptional service.

Commitment to Quality and Customer Service

A.M. Leonard’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to quality and customer service. The company prides itself on offering only the finest quality tools and supplies, ensuring that customers receive products that meet their high standards. This dedication to quality has earned A.M. Leonard a reputation as a trusted and reliable supplier in the horticultural and landscaping industries.

The company’s emphasis on doing business the “old-fashioned way” has also contributed to its success. By prioritizing customer service and building strong relationships with customers, A.M. Leonard has maintained a loyal customer base and continued to grow and thrive in a competitive industry.

Conclusion

A.M. Leonard, Inc. has a long and storied history in the horticultural tool and supply industry. From its humble beginnings as a backyard nursery to its current status as a leading provider of high-quality tools and supplies, the company has remained committed to quality, customer service, and innovation. With a diverse product range, strong online presence, and dedication to meeting customer needs, A.M. Leonard continues to be a trusted name in the industry.