Four generations. One standard.
From a Luxembourg immigrant family in 1910 to a multi-location Illinois wholesale operation today — the standard has never moved.
A century on the bench
- 1910
John & Susan Clesen migrate from Luxembourg to Evanston, Illinois.
- 1944
Frank Clesen (son) rents greenhouse space in Chicago's Rogers Park.
- 1946
Frank purchases the Florence Ave greenhouses in Evanston and launches "Frank Clesen & Sons" — still home to the office and growing today.
- 1966
Dick Clesen (2nd generation) takes over as Frank retires.
- 1970
The business diversifies into holiday plants; the South Elgin greenhouse is added.
- 2001
Tom & Tim Clesen (3rd generation) take over — the business is renamed "Clesen Wholesale".
- 2003
The Lake Villa location is acquired; Dawn Clesen Pollack joins the business.
- 2013
The Grays Lake location is acquired — a third growing site.
- 2016
The Northbrook distribution hub is acquired; Troy Clesen (4th generation) manages it.
Four generations of growers
Frank Clesen
Dick (Richard) Clesen
Tom Clesen · Tim Clesen · Dawn Clesen Pollack
Troy Clesen
4 Illinois locations
- Evanston, IL
- Headquarters & growing
- Lake Villa, IL
- Growing
- Grays Lake, IL
- Growing
- Northbrook, IL
- Distribution & transportation hub
What an account gets you
24/7 real-time inventory
Up-to-the-minute availability whenever you order online.
Pre-order discounts
Order seasons ahead at discounted pricing and lock in your quantities.
Dedicated Account Executives
Partners who know your business across all four seasons.
Experienced growers
Botanists and horticulturalists focused on quality and variety.
Pre-order windows
Not a customer yet?
Email sales@clesen.com or call 847-869-2257 — once your account is established, the online shop and live availability open up.
Get in touch