Hall Of Fame Inductees

 

The individuals nominated should have made a significant impact or positive influence that assures the future of our industry in the lives of generations to come.

 

Once nominated, an individual’s biography and photo are updated on the site, and he or she is placed in the polls for voting. At the end of the year the committee takes into consideration the votes and decides which candidates are inducted.

 

Those with a star (*) next to their name below were either inducted posthumously or have passed away since being inducted.

 

Nomination Qualifications

  • Person with integrity and passion
  • Minimum 20 years in industry
  • Someone who has developed  or invented  new technology
  • Has made contributions that resulted in change
  • Contributed to mankind’s needs in his field
  • Provided education and encouragement  with self-sacrifice
  • Changed the industry

Stuart J. Sperber*

Stuart was a pioneer of innovation who profoundly influenced the landscape and nursery industries.  Known as an industry advocate and leader, Stuart built Valley Crest Tree Company into one of the premier tree nursery and specimen tree moving businesses.  Stuart established Valley Crest Tree Company on a three acre parcel in the San Fernando Valley never expecting that more than half a century later his footprint would have reshaped the future of the nursery business.

Stuart held dual roles as Vice Chairman of the Board for ValleyCrest Companies and CEO and co-founder of Valley Crest Tree Company.  A 50-year member of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers, Stuart was one of the nursery industry's leading advocates and a leader who profoundly influenced the long-term advancement of the nursery business in the State of California. Throughout his career, he worked to enhance the industry's role in bringing together the public and private sectors to collaborate on issues contributing to public interest in areas of legislation affecting the state's nursery and growing industries.

Stuart held numerous leadership positions with professional landscape organizations. He was the former President of the California Landscape Contractors Association, a member of the National Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, Western Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture, American Association of Nurserymen (California), and President of the University Education Trust at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

Stuart earned a number of accolades and distinctions for his contributions to the nursery industry.  In 2007, Stuart’s alma mater, California Poly Pomona, awarded him both the distinguished alumnus of the year and an honorary doctorate in recognition of his continuing contributions to the school and to the industry at large. In 2005, he was conferred the Pacific Coast Nurseryman Award, an honor bestowed by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers on the individual who best demonstrates a lifetime of horticultural excellence and professional achievement.

In June 2007, at Cal Poly’s commencement ceremony in what was his last public address, Stuart thanked his family and friends for their lifetime of support, and encouraged the graduates to believe in their dreams.