About Us
In the late 1980’s, Larry and Carol Umbarger began growing flowers, and then ornamental and culinary herbs, to help with college expenses for their two older children. This ultimately led to discovering a market for California Pepper berries, which led to a connection with Smith and Hawken, an upscale retailer of home and garden products. At the time, Smith and Hawken had a vendor who needed help meeting a deadline for their company. So the Umbargers dove right in, and that weekend, they quickly learned how to make a beautiful wreath. They spent the next 3 weeks making 3,000 wreaths in their playroom. Today, Creekside Farms provides quality products to many retail and ecommerce companies, having designed and offered numerous product variations to major companies in its 30-year history. Now, 3,000 wreaths are made in a matter of days…instead of weeks.
In the late 1980s, Larry and Carol Umbarger began growing flowers, and then ornamental and culinary herbs to help with college expenses for their 2 older children. This led to discovering a market for California Pepper berries, which ultimately led to a connection with Smith and Hawken, an upscale retailer of home and garden products. Smith and Hawken had a vendor who needed help meeting a deadline for their company. So the Umbargers dove right in, and that weekend learned how to make a wreath. They spent the next 3 weeks making 3,000 wreaths in their playroom.
A global company
Today, Creekside Farms provides quality products to many retail and e-commerce companies, having designed and offered numerous product variants to those companies in its 30-year history. Now, 3,000 wreaths are made in a matter of days, instead of weeks.
Family matters
The business has grown considerably, with family at its core. Larry and Carol’s three sons and daughter-in-law now manage the business, with significant contributions coming from very long time and committed employees.
Growth for Tomorrow
Operations no longer exist at the family ranch, but instead now operate on a 20-acre farm in Greenfield, CA, complete with a 12,000 square foot manufacturing and office facility.
Just perfect - I can’t wait to hang it. Thanks for your wonderful customer service. I will definitely be ordering from you all again. In my opinion your customer service is just as wonderful as your wreaths! Keep up the great work!
MEET OUR TEAM
Thank you for your interest in Creekside Farms. We are very thankful for your visit! If you are in the Central Coast area of California and would like to visit the farm in person, we would be honored to have you as a guest. Please call us at 831-674-1234 or e-mail sales@creeksidefarms.com.
Carol & Larry Umbarger
Larry and Carol Umbarger are the co-owners and founders of Creekside Farms. After moving the company into the new facility in Greenfield, California, they both started thinking about a future that involved retirement. However, Larry’s love of farming has kept him very involved in the growing of all of the herbs and flowers. They have come full circle by planting the home ranch back into lavender. Carol is still involved in the overall planning, but is spending more of her time taking care of their 11 grandchildren. Creating a thriving business that involves their three sons and their families is a dream come true for Carol and Larry. Their daughter, Stacey, is the only one who has chosen a different path. She lives in San Diego with her husband, Tim and their three children but there is still hope for her joining the company down the road.
Allen Umbarger
Allen Umbarger is the general manager of Creekside Farms. After graduating from Santa Clara University and going on to earn his teaching credential, he taught for several years in the San Francisco Bay Area. When Teri and Allen were expecting their first child, they decided to try working in the company for a year. Their two boys are now 26 and 23, and they are still at Creekside Farms managing and growing the family business. Allen’s exceptional management and people skills are what keep the company running so smoothly.
Teri Umbarger
Teri is the driving force behind the company. She earned a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University. After working in the health field in San Francisco and San Mateo, where she started a community hospital foundation, she and Allen came to expand and manage Creekside Farms. Among many talents, her creative and artistic skills are what have made Creekside Farms one of the leading innovators in floral design. Teri is the Designer and Marketing and Sales Director for Creekside Farms but also manages to have a hand in all areas of the business. Her outstanding organizational skills allow her to do all of this while also being a leader and active volunteer in the community.
Aaron Umbarger
After attending school in Chico, Aaron joined the company in 1997. He is the Shipping Manager for the company and is the one who makes sure all orders are shipped in a timely manner to the proper place. Aaron is also in charge of the accounts payable division of the company. Aaron, who is raising 3 young children, still manages to find time to coach youth sports. Growing up in a family that loves baseball, he has managed to pass this love of sports on to his children.
Scott Umbarger
Scott Umbarger, the youngest in the family, came to work at Creekside Farms after graduating from Cal Poly in 2000 with a degree in Ag Business. He manages the farming operation for the company. During the very busy holiday season, he can be found in all areas of the business, helping wherever he is needed. Scott has three very active boys. Scott has coached soccer and baseball since the boys began playing and is now in the process of teaching them to wake board.
Rodolfo Tapia
Rodolfo Tapia joined Creekside Farms in 1993 as a wreath maker. It was soon evident he had amazing management and organizational skills and has been the Foreman ever since. Along with Allen, he has a hand in all aspects of the operation. He manages a crew of talented people who are the body and soul of Creekside Farms. He does all of this while raising a family, and running boxing clubs for the youth of San Ardo and King City. He has helped hundreds of young people in the community to see the possibilities life has to offer.
Paola Ruesga
We are excited to have the newest member of our family also be a member of our team, a third generation to the family business as Teri & Allen’s daughter-in-law. Paola or Pao as she is affectionately known, has joined us as our Marketing, Media, and Design Manager. Since joining us she has brought lots of creative ideas and vision. She is an amazing young woman with many different skill sets. Not only did she play soccer all four years in college on an athletic & academic scholarship, but she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Human Behavior. Pao loves the outdoors and traveling! She enjoys going wine and beer tasting, listening to live music and loves spending time with her husband Branson, her dog Lola and family & friends. We are excited to have her strong work ethic, many talents, and keen eye for designs!
Hilda Gonzales
Hilda has worked for Creekside Farms since 1999. She is the Office Manager and Human Resources Director and is also in charge of Accounts Receivables. Her organizational and exceptional people skills have been an asset to the company. She keeps the office running smoothly and ensures that all paperwork is in order. She adds to the family tradition since she is Teri’s sister.
