1969-1974
In The Beginning
- Robert Riley began experimenting with organic sources for nutritional and soil conditioning products.
- He abandoned animal based sources and focused on plant sources.
- Bob developed a new approach to PHC which promoted healthy soils and less dependence on traditional chemicals.
1975-1980
The Next Steps
- With enough organic-based products developed to create a complete PHC system, a dealership program was started.
- To execute this new approach a radically different delivery system was needed.
- The new spray rigs included multiple tanks of various sizes and multiple pumps and hose reels. Revolutionary at the time, this design has become the industry standard over the last several decades.
- Applications for trees/shrubs and lawns could be made from the same rig on the same visit.
- A 14-point, nutrient-availability soil test was developed to better understand the soil; determine what plants actually need to be healthier and help customers understand the program.
1981-1999
Spreading The Story
- Bob, and his wife Lourne, traveled throughout the country promoting this organic-approach to PHC with workshops and seminars.
- More marketing materials were developed including a monthly newsletter for Dealers to promote their business.
- More Dealers were added to the network.
- Training academies were held twice a year to train technicians, sales and office staff and owners.
2000-2008
Continued Growth
- Dealership network continued to expand and steps were taken to convert it to a franchise system.
- Gary Maurer and Keith Maurer both began working for Bob. Gary worked with the truck designs and buildouts while Keith worked to recruit and train franchisees as well as manage the in-house application division.
2009-2024
Changes Abound
- Since Bob wanted to retire, Gary bought the equipment, products and soil testing service segments and moved them from Long Island to Pennsylvania.
- Gary focused on equipment innovations including the 21st Century PHC Sprinter van and the Njekt Soil Injection System.
- Keith formulated new products including several that addressed critical soil biology and increased the soil testing service to a 19-point test while converting the entire program to a web-based platform.
2025 - present
Looking Forward
- Gary retired from building spray rigs to pursue other interests and spend more time with family.
- Keith took over the products, soil testing service and the Njekt system. He introduced the concept of custom formulations for trees and shrubs based on extensive soil testing data. This has allowed companies to achieve outstanding PHC results while reaping the marketing benefits.