A New Generation of JFT Nurseries

By James Nicklen

For over 30 years, siblings Russell James, Colin James and Heather Sands – together with Heather’s husband, David, and Russell’s partner, Lyn – have worked to build the business started by their parents Beryl and Murray James in 1981. And now, in a logical step for a business with such a long family history, they will be stepping back to pass the business on to the third generation of JFT Nurseries. At the end of June, Andrew James, Renee Byrne, Chris Sands and Billie Hicken will be officially taking over the reins of the family business.

Located in Silvan in the Dandenong Ranges, JFT Nurseries grow across 100 acres in a region known for its rich volcanic soil and high rainfall – it’s an ideal location and the perfect conditions for growing strong, healthy trees. With a team of approximately 40 staff, JFT Nurseries take the quality of their stock very seriously and pride themselves on delivering the best trees to retail and advanced tree nurseries Australia wide

The company grows an extensive range of fruiting trees including apples, cherries, plums, peaches and nectarines, just to name a few. Among their range of flowering trees you’ll find lilacs, prunus, cherries and crab apples, while their deciduous ornamentals include maples, ash, poplars, birch, elms and many more. They also have a large range of weeping and standard trees. Over the past 5 years, JFT Nurseries have also been building on their range of potted stock, with an emphasis on dwarf fruiting trees and other popular varieties, in order to provide year-round supply to their customers.

JFT Nurseries are well-recognised and respected by the nursery industry, with their two main priorities being to produce a top-quality tree (at a competitive price) and to ensure their clients receive personalised and friendly service.

This is not something that will change once they step back from the business. Heather explains, “The business itself is not going to change. The product will be the same and the quality is still going to be there. That’s the main thing we’re renowned for.” She continues, “Andrew, Chris and Billie have been in the business for over 10 years, with Renee coming onboard 3 years ago. They have been embracing more responsibilities over the past few years and we’re happy and confident to step back and for them to take it on.”

Indeed, on and off over the last 5 years, the ‘kids’ (as Heather and Colin affectionately call them when discussing the change) have been managing many aspects of the business themselves.

Colin says that during that time, they have let them do their own thing but have been there to offer guidance and solutions when needed. He says that he’ll still be working “in the background” for the next few years, but he’s confident that the kids have what it takes to successfully manage the demands of the nursery and to honour JFT Nurseries’ name and reputation “We’ve all got the same mindset,” Colin says of the family. “Customers and quality come first. Grow good quality products and the customers come to you.” This is something that’s been ingrained in the new team, he believes.

Both Heather and Colin say that they’ll miss working when the time finally comes to move on. “It’s been our life,” Heather says “I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere and the people I work with, the customers and keeping them happy.” But she’s looking forward to more time on the beach, she says with a smile, while Colin too looks forward to more time to relax.

Speaking with Billie, Chris, Andrew and Renee, there’s a real sense of excitement about the changes to come. And for each of them, there’s a feeling of pride that they can continue a business with such an important place in their family’s history. Renee says, “It’s a real honour to be a part of this next chapter at JFT. It has always been such a big part of my life and means so much that we can keep the family legacy going.” Chris echoes this sentiment, “to be the ‘new generation’ of JFT means I can continue something that my grandparents started and that my family have built up to be what it is now,” while Andrew says he is “proud to continue the work in the business that the family has built for generations.”

Along with the excitement, there are also some nerves, understandably. But ultimately that comes from a place of the team wanting to continue to deliver the quality and service that JFT Nurseries are known for. Billie expresses his admiration for the way the business has been built into what it is today.

“My excitement grows from being able to continue that moving forward, and the nerves probably come from wanting to make sure we continue the quality of product we supply our loyal customers that they have been used to over the last 40 odd years,” he says.

While there may be some nerves, the team are reassured by the expertise they can draw on. They value the guidance and input of the people who have been – and will continue to be –knowledgeable and supportive mentors. “While the transition is in process, it is really important for us to keep our standards and quality strong with the hope that as we move forward, we may be able to grow the business gradually whilst keeping up with the demand,” Billie says. “We are always on the lookout for new varieties to expand into so that our customers have a good selection of products to fulfill their needs.”

Chris is already looking ahead too and is considering the direction of the nursery in the future. “I think exploring new technologies and innovations will help us grow as a business and be more productive,” he says. “I can see the container side of the business growing and complementing the bare root trees.”

It’s set to be an exciting time for JFT Nurseries and the team over the coming years. This ‘new generation’ are driven and committed to continuing to do what the business does best. “I get to work with some great people and build relationships with our amazing, loyal customers and suppliers,” Renee says. “The team does an incredible job of growing some of the best quality trees in the country, so that will undoubtedly be our number one goal to continue going forward. JFT is a successful business with a great reputation, and we have no intention of that changing.”