At a time when so much is made to crumple up, throw away and forget, we’re thankful and proud to say our roots go deep. We’ve been a vital, growing part of Chicago's North Shore suburbs for over 40 years.
Our Founders – How We Started.
Edward Pasquesi and his wife, Marie, started the business in 1975—evolving from a small hardware store in Highland Park, Illinois into the retail business that is known today as Pasquesi Home and Gardens—which is currently located in Lake Bluff, Illinois. In 1984, they bought an existing farm and feed store in Lake Forest that became Pasquesi Home and Farm Suppliers—at a time when Lake Forest had more open lands and farms. When the garden industry started to expand, the business evolved with the customers’ changing needs. It became Pasquesi Home & Gardens with more emphasis on gardening. Another store in Barrington was opened in 1988. And, in 2006, the Lake Forest store relocated to a new and larger store in Lake Bluff, in order to give customers a better shopping experience. In 2012, a third "small scale" store was opened in downtown Lake Forest selling select plants, home and garden items. Currently, they operate one full service store in Lake Bluff. (There are some fun historical photos on our Pinterest page.)
The heart of the business grew out of Ed Pasquesi’s early interest in plants and ‘growing living things.’ The retail gardening business gave Ed and Marie an opportunity to create a family business that seeks to provide exceptional customer service to Chicago's North Shore suburbs.
He and his family has been of part of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community for over 40 years.
The Next Generation
Pasquesi Home & Gardens is an established family business with the three siblings now playing key roles in the daily operations. They grew up in the business and have each brought their own talents to the business.
Mike Pasquesi joined the family business after college in 1992 as manager of the Barrington store before becoming President and General Manager of Pasquesi Home & Gardens. He sums up his philosophy, “We are always challenging ourselves and looking for ways to improve our business. We will never stand still. We are constantly learning and trying new and different things.”
Cindy Pasquesi Thorsen joined the family business in 1996 as Director of Human Resources with a background in corporate sales and project planning. At Pasquesi Home and Gardens, her work focuses on employee development. “I mainly focus on recruiting and training employees... Great people help create great experiences, and that will keep the customers coming back.”
Lisa Pasquesi came aboard in 2003 with skills in business from the corporate world. She now oversees the Accounting Office and directs the Marketing for Pasquesi’s print and web communications. “My main objective is to keep our name and message out there—and we do this though a variety of marketing efforts that show how we think and believe when it comes to our product selections. We strive to create an experience that people want to repeat.”
Our Team
The owners and management at Pasquesi Home and Gardens have always focused on creating an exceptional shopping experience for their customers—and our friendly and informed staff backs up that mission. From our buyers who search the world for new products, to helpful sales associates, to our prompt and friendly deliveries, all of our talents blend together as a synergy of people and products. Since many employees have been with Pasquesi for years, they are valued for their extensive knowledge of the business and products. In turn, we offer that insight to our customers. Because of our team philosophy, Pasquesi is a great place to work and shop.
As a team, we strive to be better everyday.