Willoway Nurseries Celebrates Leadership Academy Graduates and Welcomes New Class of Emerging Leaders

We're celebrating a major milestone in our commitment to developing leaders from within. On July 9th, 19 team members graduated from Willoway's Leadership Academy, an 18-month program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders as we look toward our 100th year in business.

In partnership with nationally recognized speaker and business consultant John Kennedy, the academy combines in-depth learning, hands-on leadership training, and strategic collaboration with senior executives. This initiative is a key part of our long-term succession planning and our dedication to fostering internal talent and innovation.

"The Leadership Academy is more than a training program. It's a legacy initiative," said Tom Demaline, President of Willoway Nurseries. "As we look toward our centennial, investing in our people ensures that our culture of excellence, innovation, and customer focus continues to thrive well into the future."

During the same ceremony, we welcomed 13 new team members into the Class of 2026. These individuals are just beginning their leadership journey, guided by the same principles and mentorship that shaped our current graduates.

The Leadership Academy is one of several strategic initiatives that underscore our mission to grow not only plants but also people, preparing Willoway for sustainable, long-term success.

About Willoway Nurseries

Willoway Nurseries is a 3rd generation family owned and operated wholesale plant nursery with primary growing locations in Avon and Huron, OH. We're among the largest nurseries in Ohio, ranking in the top 40 nationally, and employ up to 460 team members during our spring season.