Make it Real. Real Trees. Real Farms.
Bill Field
An insightful business strategist who “activates" agencies, brands & people in the business-to-channel space.
What is your go-to Christmas tree?? Faux or real?? Blue spruce or Fraser fir? ?White lights or multicolor? ?Garland or tinsel (remember those shiny silver strands from way back in the day that made a mess)? ?Hallmark ornaments or family keepsakes?? It’s all part of the holiday mosaic that plays out as soon as the last piece of pie is consumed at the Thanksgiving celebration. ?For many, the annual trek to the Christmas tree farm is near on the horizon.?
For me, there’s something nostalgic about a cutting a live tree – the sense of adventure enjoyed in search for the “perfect” tree and the intoxicating pine scent that fills the house. ?It’s a signal that the Christmas season is upon us.?
For many, like my wife Arlene and me, a fresh-cut tree is a must.? It’s a tradition we plan to uphold as long as we’re physically able to traverse the hills of Jones Family Farm in Shelton, Connecticut on a quest to select the perfect tree, and trying not to end up in traction while hauling it back to the bailer.? The fates have been kind to us over the years as we’ve been blessed to enjoy this tradition with our son and grandson.? Many of you are brand loyal to your own go-to tree farm as holiday trees are a very personal purchase.?
Our small town of Monroe swells with cars by the hundreds bearing out-of-state license plates from folks all over the New York and New Jersey area who make the trek to Jones and other tree farms in the surrounding area.? It’s a bonding experience for families and friends that’s been shared for generations.? The holiday spirit fills the air. ?Perhaps an adult beverage may even be consumed in the quest for the picture-perfect tree. ?How can you not smile from ear to ear when traversing Candy Cane Hill or cozying up to a rip-roaring bonfire?? It’s Americana through and through as entities such as the Jones Family Farm and other tree farms return like a trusted old friend during the holiday season.? Five-hundred acres with majestic vistas for you to appreciate nature’s show on a brisk December day.?
The mantra that drives the success of Jones Family Tree Farm is a simple brand positioning – “Be good to the land and the land will be good to you.”? This derived from the original farm founder, Phillip James Jones, who passed in 1912.? A humble farmer created this visionary statement, all without the help of any brand strategists or ad agency experts.? Being good to the environment long before it was in vogue.?
Little did Phillip James Jones envision the impact the farm would have on people of all ages and walks of life as the land continues to give back not only Christmas trees.? Strawberry, blueberry and pumpkin picking keeps the Jones Family Farm humming all year long.? Their brand expansion included winemaking in 2004 and also cooking classes.? The land giveth more than we take away from it.? Serving generations rather than numbers, although selling tens of thousands of Christmas trees year-over-year is a staggering sales number. There’s money in the hills of the Jones Family Farm.?
Fresh trees bring the scent of the holidays into your home.? The experience of cutting a fresh tree is etched into the memory of many children.? Why not make it real this Christmas????
Absolutely love how you're exploring the deep-rooted history and emotional connection with Christmas trees. ?? As Jane Goodall once said, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Your tradition with Jones Family Farms truly highlights the importance of making meaningful choices during the holidays. In the spirit of making a difference, our team at Treegens is excited about a unique opportunity to sponsor the Guinness World Record of Tree Planting, aiming to make a global impact. Feel free to explore more: https://bit.ly/TreeGuinnessWorldRecord ???
Chief Operating Officer at Overabove
1 年REAL!!! Canaan Fir...white lights!
Director of Digital Strategy and Integration
1 年Real all the way of course! But it's getting harder and harder every year. The family-owned tree farm my family had visited every year for decades closed a few years back because the next generation decided they no longer wanted to be in the tree farming business. We've been hopping around the last few years trying to find a new favorite but with their unpredictable schedules it hasn't been easy. I'm glad you have a good farm to go to. We have Lyman's Orchards right in our backyard and it's fantastic having a World-class farm like that so conveniently located. It's not a tree farm, but the apple picking is the best. We'll be cutting down our tree next weekend. The long hikes through endless lines of trees. The whole family arguing over which is the best. The freezing our asses off. Lugging it back and trying to get it into the stupid tree stand. Yet, somehow, the tradition of it all covers up for the fact that every year we say, "That's it, next year we're getting a fake tree!"
Founder at Powertech Associates Inc/ Utility Power Supply
1 年Real!