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About Us
The Nursery
Brad and Desi Brown started Glacier Nursery in 1983 on twenty acres of prime Creston topsoil. During the early years they both had full-time jobs and worked at the nursery in evenings and on weekends. Using mostly hand labor they planted, watered, weeded, and harvested the first crops. Working together, and with the assistance of part-time high school employees they grew the nursery, providing full-time work for Brad and 12 to 15 year-round employees. From the very beginning the nursery was known for its hardy plants and its personal service as a family business — that tradition continues today.
Today the nursery reflects the commitment of many people in addition to Brad and Desi. That commitment includes serving customers with quality plants and service, at a competitive price. For our employees we offer year-round work at competitive wages with substantial fringe benefits. Finally, we owe a great deal to those in the community that have assisted us in getting started, from past employees to the businesses who have remained valued suppliers for many years.
We all look forward to continued improvement in the plants we sell, the commitment to our employees, and returning to our community the goodwill it has extended to us.
The Team
Brad started working at a wholesale nursery in Northern Illinois at the age of 14, and has worked in the nursery business for over 50 years. He founded Glacier Nursery in 1983 with his wife Desi. Brad’s college training included serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant to Dr. Michael Dirr, teaching plant identification. Brad’s knowledge of plants of the Northern United States, plant production, and the craft of running a successful business enable him to assist many customers.
Brad served as the President of the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association from 1991-1992. He received the MNLA Member of the Year award in 2004 and 2012.
Certified Plant Professional since January 1994
BS Ornamental Horticulture, 1979
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Desi has worked alongside Brad at the nursery from the beginning, planting the first plants with Brad back in 1983.
As the President of Glacier Nursery, LLC, she serves as an advisor to administration, marketing and production.
Brad and Desi have been married since 1974.
Shane has been a valued member of Glacier Nursery since 1988. As Farm Manger for the last 25 years, he oversees all aspects of production and shipping, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Shane also plays an active role in assisting customers with sales, offering expert guidance and insight. His exceptional leadership and ability to motivate his team consistently result in the highest-quality plant material possible.
President of the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association in 2013.
Certified Plant Professional since1999
Licensed Pesticide Applicator since 1995
James joined Glacier Nursery in 2022 with 23 years of retail nursery experience in Billings. A Montana native, James grew up in Sidney where his parents cultured his passion for plants. Upon graduating from college, his introduction to the green industry began with landscape and irrigation companies, but it was always his visits to nurseries that fascinated him. After taking a job at a small retail nursery in Billings in 1998, James has been devoted to practicing his craft of plant selection and service to facilitate customers in making confident landscape decisions, and has assisted customers throughout eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. When not marveling over the virtues of trees, his hobbies include golf and woodworking.
James served as President of the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association in 2016 and remains active on the planning committee of the Billings Chapter.
Certified Plant Professional since January 2002
BS Horticulture Science
Montana State University
Greyson Anderson, M.S. is Glacier Nursery's Inventory and Shipping Manager, where he helps keep the flow of trees, shrubs, and perennials moving smoothly from the nursery to customers across the region. With a background in operations and project management, and over seven years of retail leadership experience before joining Glacier in 2024, Greyson brings both organization and a hands-on approach to the nursery.
Greyson enjoys working closely with both staff and customers to make sure every order is accurate, on time, and handled with care. His blend of practical know-how and genuine growing enthusiasm for horticulture helps Glacier Nursery deliver reliable service season after season.
MS Project Management and Operations
Southern New Hampshire University
BS Operations Management and Human Resources
University of Idaho
Mariah has been part of the Glacier Nursery team since 2022, serving as Office Manager. She brings strong organizational and financial management skills to the role while keeping daily operations running smoothly. Mariah handles all AP, customer accounts, and payroll functions within the business.
With a bachelor’s degree in Crop Production from Montana State University, and years of experience working in different agricultural specialties, with both plants and animals, Mariah enjoys contributing to an industry that she is passionate about. She is always happy to help customers place an order or answer any questions they have regarding their account.
BS Sustainable Crop Production
Montana State University
