Like so many Pierce County residents, Travis Walrath fell in love with Portland Avenue Nursery. So much so, that his family’s group of businesses purchased the nursery when it became available this past January. According to Walrath, Retail Director of the Walrath family businesses, “The previous owners did a wonderful job of creating a really shoppable yet practical location. It is quaint and quiet and so peaceful when you walk in.”
For those reasons and many more, Walrath and his sister Tracey Cirks plan to keep the store name and branding. “We are excited to add our strengths and engage with their strengths to ensure a high level of excellence in service and product quality,” said Walrath.
The Walrath family businesses began in 1968 when Travis and Tracey’s grandparents founded Walrath Trucking. Still in operation today, they direct a fleet of 45 trucks. Under the guidance of their father, the businesses expanded into soil supplies in 2000 with the addition of H&B Topsoil just down the road from Portland Avenue Nursery. A Gig Harbor addition came in 2014 and then in 2023 they added a full nursery in Olympia.
“With this purchase of Portland Avenue Nursery, we’ve continued our evolution for the team and its core mission to enhance lives by serving others,” Portland Avenue Nursery: It’s a Family Affair Walrath said. “We plan to focus on maintaining best practices from a business perspective and we know we have a lot to learn from them.”
The Walraths know there is more of that Portland Avenue love out there and they plan to take it to their other locations. “I want people to know the goodness of the Portland Avenue Nursery won’t be going away. We are making a concerted effort to make sure that doesn’t change.”
Customers will now have the expanded options offered by the other Walrath family businesses. “We will be able to fulfill customer’s needs in more than the typical point,” said Walrath.
The Walraths will continue the legacy of Portland Avenue Nursery by striving to be very knowledgeable and passionate about plants. After all, that is what one expects from their local family-owned nursery and the Walrath’s are committed to delivering on that promise.
For Additional Information
Portland Avenue Nursery
portlandavenursery.com
BY LYNN CASTLE