75 Years in the Making

Happy 75 Years to Us!

In a world where companies come and go, reaching a 75-year milestone feels both humbling and meaningful.

BC Greenhouse Builders began in 1951 as a small cedar-framed greenhouse business. It was built with practicality and a belief that if you treated people fairly and stood behind what you made, the rest would follow. No one was talking about building a legacy back then. They were focused on doing the job right.

Built Slowly, Built Right

Over the decades, the company grew the way many good things do; patiently, sometimes imperfectly, and always with a ton of effort. There were long days, bitter cold mornings in the fabrication bays, and plenty of learning along the way. Materials changed. Technology has evolved. The way we communicate has been transformed. But one thing stayed constant: the belief that a greenhouse should last.

When aluminum replaced wood frames, it was not about cutting corners. It was about building something stronger that could withstand harsh weather and high expectations. That decision shaped everything that followed.

A Family Business

In 1959, a young Dutch immigrant, Henry Heinen, joined the company. He did not arrive with a master plan either. He arrived with determination and a work ethic shaped by starting over in a new country. Over time, with the support of mentors and a lot of grit, he found his way. In 1972, alongside his wife Greta, Henry took the leap and purchased the company.

That decision carried risk. It also carried responsibility.

BC Greenhouse Builders was not just where the family worked; it was where they lived. Their four children grew up around shop floors, job sites, and dinner table conversations about customers. Summers meant helping out, learning the value of showing up, and understanding that pride comes from effort.

Growing Without Losing Ourselves

As the years passed, growth came. Opening new facilities, expanding production, and reaching customers across North America required investment, trust, and the willingness to adapt.

In the early days, moving into a larger, purpose-built manufacturing facility was one of those pivotal moments. It was more than square footage. It was a signal that the company was stepping into a new chapter, one where craftsmanship and scale had to coexist.

At one point, BC Greenhouse Builders was a team of about five people who all knew each other’s roles by heart. Today, that team has grown to over 85 people. That kind of growth does not happen accidentally. It means your family has grown beyond siblings and cousins to include team members who feel like family.

Expanding the Business

One of the more significant milestones in recent years was the acquisition of Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden in Washington. Bringing the Charley’s brand into the family allowed BC Greenhouse Builders to expand their reach while staying rooted in what matters: helping customers feel confident, supported, and inspired.

The People Behind the Greenhouse

If there is one truth that stands above all others after 75 years, it is this: buildings do not build companies. People do.

“Our goal has always been simple. Provide a quality product, offer great customer service to our customers, and create a work environment where all employees can succeed and feel valued.” - Rick Heinen (BCG Owner)

From legacy team members who remember Henry writing orders on a piece of plywood and filing paperwork before email existed, to new hires bringing fresh ideas and energy, the culture at BC Greenhouse Builders has always been shaped by humility and a willingness to help.

 “Rick often says, ‘BCG is nothing without our people,’ and he’s right. Our greatest strength is knowing that no one person has all the answers. Every day, we rely on our team and their unique talents. It’s been my privilege to be part of this community for over 25 of our 75 years.” - Kyle Exner (BCG General Manager)

There have been funny moments like broken glass panes from after-hours road hockey games, travel mishaps on installs, and stories that still get retold with laughter years later. There have also been hard moments, busy seasons, and challenges that tested patience and resolve. What carried us through was the people who cared.

 

Why This Matters?

Reaching 75 years is not about celebrating perfection. It is about celebrating perseverance. It is about thanking the customers who trusted us with their dreams of owning a greenhouse. The architects, gardeners, schools, and families who believe that quality matters.

Thank you for being part of our story, whether you joined us decades ago or just recently. We are honored to celebrate our 75 years and look forward to the exciting things still to come.

Thank you! - The BC Greenhouse Builders Team