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Cincinnati, June 16, 2022

Benken is pleased to announce the transition of the business to a fourth generation of family ownership.

Effective Friday, June 10th, 2022 Lindsay Farfsing is the new President/CEO of Benken, and is the new owner of the multi-generational family business.

Lindsay Farfsing, daughter of Kathleen & Michael Benken, has been involved in the greenhouse for as long as she can remember. “I remember being a little girl, maybe 5 or 6 years old, helping to keep the greenhouse plants healthy and looking great. You could say that I have been doing this work my entire life.” She became an official employee as soon as she was allowed to legally work and remained at Benken through high school, eventually becoming the Garden Center manager in the late 1990’s. As President/CEO, Lindsay brings over 30 years of greenhouse experience, floral and garden design, and event planning experience to the role as well as extensive experience in purchasing, budgeting, and retail management.

Farfsing stepped away from the family business in 2017 to support Purcell Marian High School, a school both she, and her husband, Principal Andy Farfsing attended and graduated from in 1995.

While at Purcell Marian, Farfsing managed all purchasing, budgeting, and inventory for the school’s Auxiliary and Title Services under Cincinnati Public Schools. During this time, she also took over leadership of Purcell Marian’s most important special event fundraiser, the Grand Event, and increased the profitability of the event by five times, creating an atmosphere that was fun and welcoming.

Lindsay Farfsing & husband, Andy Farfsing

“After having a few years away from the family business, I realized that I not only missed it, but that I was more than capable of driving it and maintaining the important lineage of family ownership,” Farfsing stated. “This was a long process of conversations and planning, and brings me great joy to honor my parents, siblings, and extended family by continuing this family business.”

Kathleen and Michael Benken became third generation owners in 1997 and propelled Benken into a modern garden and event center, shifting from wholesale to expanding to the retail operation it is today. Today, Benken boasts an impressive selection of floral arrangements customizable for every occasion including weddings, a garden center stocked with seasonal and house plants from all over the globe, and a one-of-a-kind event venue rental available for private and corporate events.

“Our family has prided itself on the work of this business since the 1930s. We have no doubt it will continue with Lindsay leading the team and are thrilled that our legacy will continue under her leadership.” Said Kathleen and Michael Benken.

Farfsing said she looks forward to working with patrons, family, and teammates to create the next bold evolution of Benken under the mantra “you must nourish to flourish… your life and your plants.” With support and encouragement from her husband Andy along with love and care from her two daughters, 16-year-old, Rachel and 24-year-old, Olivia, the future of Benken looks bright.

A dedicated team of longtime Benken employees welcomes Farfsing to her new role as President/CEO, specifically her twin brother and Grower, John Clark. “John is among the very best in the business and I’m elated to make this journey with him,” says Farfsing. Undoubtedly, Lindsay, John, and the other team members are ready and poised for the next generation of success.

Benken is located at 6000 Plainfield Road in Silverton and was started with Harry and Johanna Benken in Cincinnati in 1939. For over 80 years, Benken Florist Home and Garden Center has prided itself on quality and service, combined with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
www.benkens.com

Media inquiries:
Janet Estes
jestes@benkens.com
513.891-1040

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