Our Crew

Our Motto

We have always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. Through efforts of our people, Bloch’s Farm has become a healthy and thriving landscape, retail and greenhouse business. 
Mission Statement
Bloch’s Farm and its employees are dedicated to providing our clients and customers, as well as our workmates and families with our personal best. Doing our “personal best” means that we use an attitude of honesty, clarity, and kindness in our every action. When we truly perform at our personal best, our customers will be satisfied, our company will prosper, and as individuals we will be fulfilled. May the golden rule be our guiding light. 

Bloch’s Farm has been blessed with stable, long-term employees who combine old fashion values and morals with new and forward ideas. The staff here at Bloch’s is trained in the latest trends and techniques in horticulture, floriculture and landscaping. We strive to continually offer the superb customer service that our staff is known for with a generous touch of hometown hospitality. Bloch’s Farm is proud to employ full-time growers/horticulturalists/master gardeners and our staff has unparalleled expertise in landscape design, landscape construction, tree installation, and plant care. 

John & Sue Ellen Bloch, Owners

My husband, John and I created Bloch’s Farm 39 years ago. Many of our area friends and acquaintances will always remember the farm as being called “Bloch’s Farm” as this farm has been in the family for over 100 years! John’s great grandparents starting farming the land, raised livestock in the barn and out buildings. After both of us graduated from college at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, John and I married and eventually moved back to Green Lake. Because I am from Berlin (my fathers business was Goodrich Home Furnishings in Berlin~which my sister Tricia now runs) and because John is from Green Lake originally, it seemed a comfortable place for us to land.I can surely remember those beginning days as an organic farm and flower market. I remember chasing around and trying to catch our organically raised chickens to take them to market in preparation for sale at the farm. At the same time I was chasing around our 3 tiny children, Kala Ellen, Megan, and Pauli, while John was working up in the Fox Valley as a Manager of Information Systems for Menasha Corporation. The children were 1, 2, and 3 years old when we opened “Bloch’s Farm Market.” Where has the time gone? Kala, Megan and Pauli are now 42, 41, and 40 years old! In the course of my public speaking and seminar presentations, many folks ask me if I am surprised at the growth of Bloch’s Farm. I often answer that I am not surprised, as we do not like to do anything half way. Both John and I have put in seemingly thousands of hours of sweat equity to bring the farm to where it is today. We constantly hear from customers and clients that they have never been to such an organized, beautiful and clean garden and landscape center. When the state comes around to score and critique the farm, we receive amazing and excellent reports of cleanliness and clean plant materials and surroundings. I would love to take credit for that, but truth be told that our staff of superbly educated and organized men and women should have all the credit. We are very blessed indeed with long term, focused employees whose hearts stay with their own families but whose hearts are so evident on the farm. Each and every employee that works with us is appreciated and cared for as if they are a member of our own family. Our mission statement on the farm is simple. It is the Golden Rule…simply to treat others as you would want to be treated. When we follow this lead and keep God in our hearts, then we will be successful in our every endeavor. Blessings come when you do not chase them, they come when you least expect them. Blessings have nothing to do with money and everything to do with pride and satisfaction of a job well done, no matter what that job may be. I guess I am amazed, however, at the landscape division of Bloch’s Farm. While our landscape installations and revenues have more than quadrupled over the last 20 years, we are so very proud of our installed projects! When we are contacted for a landscape job we treat our clients with the utmost respect and we listen very closely to their needs. Because we install major jobs involving outdoor kitchens, patios, fireplaces, retaining walls and so on, our listening skills are critical. Melissa Netzer, our lead landscape designer does an incredible job of listening and capturing our clients desires down on paper and into their specialized landscape designs. She has complete and thorough working knowledge of grades, retaining, design styles and simply what works and what doesn’t work. Her laid back style helps clients to feel comfortable and therefore they are able to express all of their desires and dreams for their specific landscape project. Melissa has the amazing talent of integrating our clients wishes into a fully scaled and detailed, colorful landscape design. We are very thankful that Melissa is on our design team.
We are very unique in the way that our jobsite materials come from the farm, thus allowing our clients to personally view all of their options for plant materials and hardscape materials. We offer one stop shopping. We have installed many different types of hardscapes right here on the farm, including ponds, patios, outdoor kitchen spaces, a beautiful wedding area, etc. We have installed our patio’s laid with many varieties and colors of pavers, and patterns to choose from. Please feel free to come over to the farm and have a look. John and his hardscape and planting crews do such a beautiful job on our sites. Our maintenance crew carries out that beautiful installation for years to come by providing awesome and affordable maintenance programs. Our head horticulturist Tom does such an amazing job raising our plant materials to be the very best available anywhere in the state of Wisconsin. I say this only because I hear it day after day from you, the customers that visit and shop at the farm. You may view some of our landscape projects on our webpage under Landscapes .We have a personal stake in and appreciate each and every employee that works with us on this farm. We are thankful and we so appreciate all of their efforts in making our business the very best than it can be. When you call the business and Jen answers the phone, you will come to realize her warm, humble and highly efficient manner, and this will be your indication of the professional company we have grown to be.

Enough rambling from me…feel free to email me at anytime at suellen@blochsfarm.com I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Tom Caan, Head Grower

After a three year absence from the greenhouse business I decided to jump back in. What better way to start again than with one of my former best customers and friends John and Suellen Bloch at Bloch’s Greenhouse.

My name is Tom Caan I have been in the Greenhouse business my entire life starting when I was 19. It’s hard to believe I’ve been at this for over 35 years. I feel right at home here and it’s fun to get my hands dirty again. I can’t wait until we open to see all of the smiling faces come in.

When I’m not at work I enjoy traveling, golfing, running, and working in my yard. I have a beautiful wife named Barb and 2 adult Children Julie and David. My favorite day of the week is Sunday, attending Church and fellowshipping with friends.

 

Katie Steffen, Grower

Hi! I’m Katie, and I’m part of the grower’s team at Bloch’s Farm!
I grew up in the stunning Green Lake area in Markesan, Wisconsin. It was a no-brainer for me to come back home and spend my summers at Bloch’s Farm, doing what I love. Ever since I could walk, I’ve spent my summers exploring the outdoors and tending to a small vegetable garden. My garden has grown exponentially since then and so has my passion for all things green.
On my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, John, and two children, Damian and Marylee.

On The Farm, you’ll find me anywhere where you see plants! I look forward to another summer, creating beautiful gardens with our customers! Email me at katie@blochsfarm.com

 

Adam Anderson, Tree & Shrub Expert

Hello, I’m Adam Anderson and I am a grower at Bloch’s Farm. I grew up In Markesan, WI. I have always been enthralled with the diversity of plants that can be found in forests, which led me to study ecology at the University of Oshkosh, WI primarily focusing on botany. After School I traveled for a couple of years until I decided it was time to come back home and was lucky enough to find a place working at The Farm.

You can usually find me working in the trees and shrubs. I am excited for my second year here at Bloch’s Farm. Email with any questions at adam@blochsfarm.com

 

Melissa Netzer, Lead Landscape Designer

As lead Landscape Designer for Bloch’s Farm, my days are varied and challenging; and I love every minute. My job is a mix of Horticultural Science, Design and Graphic Art, Communications and good old fashioned sweat. I have the pleasure of working with a team of talented and professional people, and the most wonderful clients.

Together we create and enhance the beauty of our outdoor spaces. We push out the walls and make special places to take our life, and the people we love, outside.
My career started in my parents’ garden where I loved gardening with my Dad while growing up. Many hours were also spent in the woods, by a creek behind our house and in the mud. An appreciation of native areas and the plants in them was born. When given the chance, I’ll still pick going for a hike in the woods over almost any other activity!

While attending college at UW Eau-Claire, I studied communications. After taking time off to get married and while raising our family, the outdoors still called; this time in the form of getting out in my own yard to create flower, vegetable and native gardens. I was also called on by neighbors and friends to help plan their yards. My passion was ignited.

I began attending classes and seminars on plants and design, drawing and irrigation, hardscaping, drainage, native species and shoreline restoration….anything I could.
In 2001 I had the good fortune to work and study under a Landscape Architect for an entire season while at a nursery in the Fox Valley. Since then, I have been working as a professional Landscape Designer and become a member of the Landscape Design Association of Chicago where I continue to attend classes and seminars to stay up-to-date on the very latest in this diversified field.

My favorite plant would have to be ornamental grasses. They are beautiful from the moment they begin to unfurl in the spring. Grasses have great structure, come in a variety of colors and shapes, and stay standing through the winter. Talk about versatile and useful all year long! Happily, Bloch’s Farm carries a wide variety of grasses for every taste.

Please contact me with design questions, or to set up a design appointment, at melissa@blochsfarm.com or by calling Bloch’s Farm. 

 

Barbara Caan, Buyer, Merchandiser & Custom Planter Designer

Hello, my name is Barbara Caan and I am very excited to begin working my third year at Bloch’s Farm. You can find me here designing and planting containers in greenhouse #8, helping customers in the retail greenhouses, and caring for garden center displays.

Before coming to Bloch’s Farm, I worked for 27 years as a high school science teacher in Sheboygan. I still enjoy learning new things and teaching outside of the traditional classroom. My passions are growing and sharing my faith and going on mission trips to Mexico and Kenya.  

 

Grant Schultz, Landscape Crew

Hello, my name is Grant Schultz and I am part of landscape crew at Bloch’s Farm. After graduating from Green Lake High School, I enlisted in the United States Army. During my four years in the Army my time was spent as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. I was able to experience very different parts of the U.S. and other countries including a year in Germany! After the Army I spent 15 years honing in on my landscaping skills. Some of my most notable skills include tree trimming and pruning. Landscaping is one of my favorite ways to express my creativity. My free time is mostly spent in the Green Lake area whether it be spending time outdoors or fishing with my son.

 

Chris Baird, Landscape Crew

Hello my name is Chris Baird and I am proud to be on the landscape crew at Bloch’s Farm.  I was very fortunate to have grown up and graduate from Green Lake.  Prior to working at Bloch’s Farm I had the privilege of being alongside my parents at the family auto dealership for 30 years.  Fruit and vegetable gardening has been a fascination of mine ever since my grandparents showed me everything from the compost pile to the canning jars.  I truly enjoy the wonderful diversity of the plants and trees around us and now I am blessed to be able to share that with others while on Bloch’s Farm landscape crew.  In my spare time I used to enjoy gardening, now I do it for a living.  When I’m not working you can find me out hiking, watching stock car races, working on my vintage 60’s and 70’s Cub Cadet garden tractors, and going to punk rock concerts.

Danielle Plagenz, Landscape Crew

Hi!  I’m Danielle.  I am a new member of the Landscape crew at Bloch’s Farm.  I grew up in the Markesan area and currently reside in Kingston with my husband Mark, Dirk and Daisy our 2 dogs, Mr. Kitty our prowler cat and 9 chickens.  

In my free time you will find me either outside walking, running, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking or hanging out with my husband, my 3 boys and their beautiful ladies!  We all have a strong love for nature and what it does for your soul! 

My mom was always the inspiration for my love of gardening and growing beautiful things.  She always had a miraculous vegetable and flower garden.  After 30 years in an office setting,  I look forward to learning and “growing” with my new team at Bloch’s Farm.  Some would call this Serendipity!  I hope to make a difference in your life one plant at a time.   Here’s to a peaceful beautiful Summer!   

 

Jen Waters, Office Manager

My name is Jen Waters aka “Jenny from the Bloch” and I am the office manager at Bloch’s Farm. Prior to my position as office manager I lead the landscape team and had the wonderful opportunity to work with the landscape crew. This experience allowed me to learn the business from the ground up and from the inside out. I loved working on crew, especially the feeling at the end of each day and when we finished a landscape job. Wow! What a sense of accomplishment! I love the daily challenges involved in my current position too, even in the off season there is never a dull moment! John and Sue Ellen are just wonderful to work for. They encourage personal growth and value each and every employee. The staff at Bloch’s Farm is just amazing. I enjoy working with all of my friendly coworkers. I grew up in Green Lake. I moved away a few times but I always ended up coming back. I just love the area! I live in Green Lake with my husband Joe, our children Jadyn and Landen and dog Baxter. Joe and I love to landscape around our house too! I enjoy beautiful flowers, spending time with family & friends, and relaxing around Green Lake. I look forward to meeting you the next time you visit or call Bloch’s Farm!

Please email me with any questions or concerns. jen@blochsfarm.com .

 

Kim Smyrneos, Retail Manager

Hi!  I’m Kim Smyrneos and I’m part of the Retail team. Working at a garden center was a dream of mine and I am so excited to be blessed with my ‘fun’ job!

I grew up in the Milwaukee area and worked as a business analyst for a large insurance company. In 1996, my husband Tony and I moved to Wild Rose to open the Birdsong Bed and Breakfast and Bluebird Meadows Antiques and Gifts. We loved being Inn Keepers and equally loved our guests who were like friends returning every year. Our businesses allowed me to cultivate my creative side and the old house was a labor of love, but the flower gardens were my favorite place of refuge! We currently live on Two Oaks North Golf Course in Wautoma and the gardens are still my favorite place to be.

I am truly excited to be working with such an amazingly talented group of people here at the Farm. You can find me up front, ready to point you in the right direction, find answers to your questions and to pour you some wine (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!). I look forward to meeting you and sharing the Farm experience with you!

Deena Ballagh, Retail Team

We moved to Wisconsin from Laguna Beach 25 years ago to open Once in a Blue Moon in Princeton.  The challenges of the recent pandemic indicated it was time to enjoy life beyond running our own business. I have always flourished outdoors in my own garden, and will enjoy encouraging others to do the same. I look forward to offering the same style of customer care developed in my years of retail service.

 

 

Doug Sonntag, Retail Team

 I was raised and educated in Green Lake. I spent half my adult life here working at various restaurants and bars and eventually owning a business. In 2005, I moved from Green Lake to Madison. In 2008 I left Wisconsin and have lived in several states before settling in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2015. In Arizona, I work in Destination Management and Event Coordinating. I love my work because it fills my lifelong passion of being in front of people and helping them in various ways. Customer care and service is a passion for me. 

Despite leaving Green Lake and Wisconsin, I have maintained close ties to Green Lake and return every summer and every Christmas. I love the area and the people there. Green Lake will forever be home. 

I appreciate the wonderful opportunity to work at Bloch’s Farm in the summer. I look forward to a great summer!

 

Katie Prellwitz, Retail Team

Hello! My name is Katie Prellwitz and I am a member of the Retail team at Bloch’s Farm. I have worked for John & Sue Ellen for over 20 years; my very first job ever was in the office at the Farm, I worked at Sugar Lips in downtown Green Lake, and will be going into my seventh summer on the Retail team at the Farm.

            My home is in Green Bay, WI but I am originally from Berlin, WI, and enjoy splitting my time between the two areas I love so very much. The Farm has been such an important and special part of my life, and I am so fortunate to be able to share my summers with our amazing team and customers. At the Farm, you will find me at the “front of the house;” I will greet you as you come in and connect you to the person, item or place you are looking for. I will also meet you in the Barn Shop, pour you some samples of our delicious wine, and assist you with any home and garden decor ideas and questions you have.

            The Farm is truly an experience; the beauty and energy are transformative and we love to spread the joy, pride and happiness of being surrounded by beautiful things. It has been a privilege to grow with the Farm and watch it grow, as well as see pieces of us throughout all the amazing local businesses and homes in our area. Looking forward to meeting you and to another fantastic summer!

 

Kari Pacheco, Retail Team

Hi there. My name is Kari Jean Pacheco and I am one of the newest members of the Bloch’s Farm family. I was raised in Ripon and I am back after 32 years in New Mexico. For the last 13 years, I have been a District Manager for the plant, flower, tree, and shrub vendor for 11 Home Depot’s in and around the Albuquerque area. In my off season, I owned and operated a successful landscaping and residential/commercial cleaning company. I am happy to be back home, to my roots, and feel super blessed to be part of this awesome family! 

 

Blake Mertens, Retail Team

Hello, my name is Blake Mertens. I have lived in Berlin, Wisconsin my whole life. I am currently attending Berlin High School where I am a part of the Swim and Dive Team and FFA. Our family farm “Janestead Farm” in Berlin was established in 1846 and is a huge part of my childhood as I started growing pumpkins there when I was six. I believe my love for plants and farming comes from the farm. I have a huge love for landscape design, sports, traveling, and food production. I have always been a big fan of plants from around my house to landscaping our farm. Trying to find the best plants for you is always a goal of mine and I look forward to working with you at Blochs Farm!

 

Employee Application

Interested in joining our crew? Fill out an application or send your resume. Applications and resumes can be emailed to jen@blochsfarm.com . Call our office at 920-294-6000 with any questions.