Today, the two companies, McKenzie Farms and Happy Holiday are the largest grower and shipper of Christmas trees in the United States. In 2018, that relationship between Happy Holiday and McKenzie Farms resulted in the acquisition of McKenzie Farms by a newly formed LLC by Cubby Steinhart called Kirbycon. Later, this friendship developed into a strategic partnership between the two companies. In 1991, through an introduction by Mike Stone, a friendship was formed between Ken and Cubby. Meanwhile, Conrad “Cubby” Steinhart founder and owner of Happy Holiday in the Midwest was developing into one of the largest wholesalers on the East Coast, reaching its own leadership in the industry. The concept was quite simple, grow and procure the highest quality Christmas trees in the industry for those appreciating the very best in quality shipping and service. The customer came to be viewed as a guest in all business interactions.
Guided by his association with Walt Disney, Ken strived to transform the traditional business customer relationship. Ken’s 30 years of experience in the retail & wholesale horticultural field provided the background and understanding required to grow a quality Christmas tree. McKenzie “Ken” Cook started McKenzie Farms and the Signature Tree in 1991.
