When I think back to my childhood, there’s one thing that sticks out: going to get our Christmas tree with my entire family. I can remember vividly the smell of the fresh cut trees, and crunch of the snow on the ground under our boots. My parents could not get my brother and I out of the trees.

I wanted to be a Christmas tree farmer before I ever left elementary school. In fifth grade, we visited a working tree farm on a field trip. The old tree farmer took us around the property, explaining to me personally, or so I thought at the time, the inner workings of the farm. We even saw deer sprinting through the trees, and I don’t think I’d ever seen anything so beautiful. That’s what led me to Howling Pines.

In 2010 while living in Chagrin Falls, I saw a for sale flyer for a small farm on Washington Street. I jumped in my truck and drove right out to 10480 Washington. When I pulled up to the wooded lot beyond the barn, standing in the field, there were three deer munching on the grass. I thought to myself, this is where our Christmas trees will grow.

Since the first seedlings were planted in 2011, the business has grown every year. Our employees are our extended family, including many current and former Kenston Football players. We cherish our connection to the community.

There is nothing better than watching a family get out of the car, and see the kids take off running in search of the tree Santa Claus will soon lay presents under. At Howling Pines, we care about memories made. We hope you return for a tree each year, and make memories that last for a lifetime, like mine.

- Coach Jeff Grubich, Jen Grubich, Emily Grubich, Blake Grubich