Congratulations, Quade and Kendall!
Siblings Quade and Kendall are taking the horticulture industry by storm as the driving forces behind Unique Roots Inc. Both proud Buckeyes, they have turned a family passion into a thriving full-service operation.
Kendall graduated from The Ohio State University with a deep focus on plant science, while Quade specialized in horticulture through the Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) program. Today, they manage a business that has grown from reselling finished plants to growing approximately 40,000 plugs annually and providing high-end hardscape and landscape installations.
We caught up with the duo to see how their time at OSU prepared them for the "consistently inconsistent" world of business ownership.
HOW DID YOU INITIALLY BECOME INTERESTED IN HORTICULTURE?
Kendall: From an early age, Quade and I spent much of our time outdoors, exploring our mom’s walkthrough garden. I developed an immediate interest and became fascinated with plants, their inner workings, and the diseases that affect them.
Quade: My own interest did not fully develop until I began working for a landscaper and Unique Roots was founded. Through my experience in landscaping and working at the family business, I realized I wanted to stay in the industry and contribute to our family’s company. I especially fell in love with the landscaping side of horticulture, as I enjoy the transformation of landscapes and the impact they can have on a property.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN STARTING UNIQUE ROOTS?
Kendall: My mom and I started Unique Roots Inc. when Quade was a senior in high school. An opportunity presented itself to our family as I was graduating from Ohio State, and we took full advantage of it.
Quade: I was fortunate to work for the business as soon as its doors opened, where I was able to grow my interest and expand my knowledge. In the early days, the company did not offer landscaping services or in-house growing; all plants were ordered in finished and resold. Today, we’ve expanded significantly.
HOW DID YOUR TIME AT OHIO STATE HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
Quade: OSU provided me with extensive knowledge and valuable experience. The SPS program taught me the foundational principles of the industry. I was also a member of the agricultural fraternity Delta Theta Sigma, where I developed essential life skills like networking, communication, and leadership. My internship provided hands-on experience that complemented my academic studies. Overall, OSU offered a wide range of opportunities and friendships that shaped who I am today.
Kendall: My time at Ohio State helped in countless ways. Besides the plant knowledge, I learned the importance of networking. Relationships with several of our current suppliers began while I was at OSU. Through my involvement with Pi Alpha Xi and professors who brought in industry professionals, I was able to source plant material before our doors even opened. My OSU friends in the industry now help fill in any gaps in my knowledge and provide an outside perspective.
HOW HAS YOUR ROLE AT UNIQUE ROOTS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Quade: I started as a senior in high school with little knowledge of plant names or proper care. Each year, I continued to build my skills and confidence. Currently, I manage the landscape side of the business. Our work includes everything from design and maintenance to full installations, including hardscapes. I credit most of my growth to the knowledge I gained from OSU and my internship.
Kendall: My role has stayed consistently inconsistent! Every day brings a new task. When we first opened, I managed plant material and employees. Now, I run the back office, retail analysis, and our growing operation, plus maintenance and infrastructure tasks. Business ownership means wearing several different hats and being a jack of all trades!
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Quade: I usually arrive between 7 and 8 a.m. to load trucks. Once the crew arrives and we're briefed, we head to the jobsite. After the physical work is done, I head back to the shop to check emails, work on designs, and send out estimates. I enjoy the unknown challenges—seeing the before-and-after transformation of a project is especially satisfying.
Kendall: There is no such thing as a normal day! This industry is incredibly seasonal. In the spring, I’m at the greenhouse early to prep the store, water, and handle customer interactions. The winter brings an entirely different day: prepping for workshops and planning for spring. I am a complete plant nerd and numbers person, so I love prepping the spring growing schedule!
WHAT HAVE BEEN A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Quade: One of my favorite highlights was fully designing and building a paver patio that included a fireplace and a rock water feature. Another has been watching the business progress each year and learning from past mistakes to support the community.
Kendall: I’ve enjoyed being invited to speak to the CFAES Horticulture capstone class the past couple of years. I love sharing my journey with the future of the industry! Another highlight was winning an award for Emerging Business Leader this past year.
ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING HORTICULTURE OR STARTING THEIR OWN COMPANIES?
Quade & Kendall: Do not pass up on opportunities and do not be scared of making mistakes. Mistakes are a part of life and teach valuable lessons that will only strengthen your skills. Discovering something you don’t like is just as valuable! Be sure not to let a great opportunity go to waste just because you aren’t sure if you can do it.
Go Bucks!
