Westchester-Based Company Has Branched Out, Growing National Attention

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- In 1979, Howard Freilich, a young entrepreneur, started a horticultural business based out of a small camper in Westchester. Today, Freilich has grown his business to a multimillion-dollar enterprise that’s one of the largest interior horticultural companies in the country.

Chris Langone

Content Partner: The Westchester Bank

Blondie’s Treehouse, Inc., provides landscape interiors, exterior plantings and floral arrangements for residences, cultural institutions and hotels. While the success of Freilich's company is well known, its organic growth took time and effort. “I started out as an animal husbandry major, to be a vet, but I quickly found out that it wasn't for me,” said Freilich. “I always had a green thumb, so I decided to pursue a career in something that I loved."

In an effort to kick-start his botanical-based company, Freilich sold plants out of his camper, on the street corner and hosted 'plant parties' in people's homes. As the company expanded, Freilich went from selling small plants and trees to creating full green spaces in homes, hotels and businesses across the country. "We went from selling plants door-to-door to working with a team of designers, architects, real estate developers and property management companies," said Freilich. "We have a signature look that our customer base has come to love."

Now in its 38th year of operation, Blondie's Treehouse, Inc. employees a staff of more than 100, with four locations and sales in excess of $10 million. Freilich's idea has grown into an industry powerhouse. "We rely on so many people to sustain the success of the company," said Freilich. "Over the decades, we have built a local and national network of growers that we are reliant on. It's nice to see where and how our plants grow."

While Blondie's has garnered national attention, it still maintains its local roots. The company's headquarters are located in Mamaroneck in a 100-year-old restored factory and contains a greenhouse, interior plant acclimatization center, special-event workshop and holiday showroom. "Westchester is very important to this company," said Freilich. "We have a national brand but the heart of Blondie's is right here at home."

For more information about Blondie's Treehouse, Inc., click here.

True to its local roots, Blondie’s relies on The Westchester Bank for the personal touch and world-class banking products provided by the leading community bank in the county. For more information about TWB, click here.