Greenhouse from his mother-in-law and continued to build upon her legacy. His wisdom guided Alta through seasons of highs and lows, never wavering in his belief that this business and community, like plants, deserve patience and care. In 1996, Alta Greenhouse opened the floral department to offer custom arrangements, sympathy and funeral flowers, handmade grave blankets, wedding designs, and more. In 2009, the local florist in Shelby closed. Michael and Josh saw an opportunity to expand Alta’s floral department and serve the Shelby community. They purchased the facility and opened a second Alta location, delivering the same handmade floral creations 

 to even more of Richland County. 

As the generations before him imparted wisdom unto Roger, he looked to next in line. Roger’s children didn’t show the same level of interest in the industry as his nephew, Michael. Michael Henry grew up at Alta under his great grandmother’s wing, learning the ins and outs of the trade. When Roger began to think about retirement, he knew Alta would be in great hands with Michael and his partner Josh. Michael explains Roger’s careful planning, “Since COVID, family run greenhouses without a succession plan just disappear. Roger didn’t want that for his legacy. It wasn’t an overnight switch, but rather a gradual transition to ensure an all around success for us, the staff, and our customers.” 

Josh Maurer developed a love for the trade growing up on his family’s farm. He had a career in the hospitality industry before Michael brought him to Alta in the early 2000s. He started part time before leaving his corporate job to join Alta full time in 2018. His business background has given him a unique framework for running Alta alongside Michael. He explains, “There’s no industry quite like agriculture. It requires a love for the trade and the process, but a lot of grit. My previous career has given even more tools to give all that we can to this business. Through the ups and the downs, this is a true labor of love and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

When they officially took over in 2022, Michael and Josh looked closely at every detail, from how flats were laid to the precise mix of fertilizer, believing that modern tools could elevate, not erase, previous methods. They experimented with hybrid plants, carefully analyzing results, always mindful that innovation should serve quality, not compromise it. To them, tradition and progress were not rivals, but partners in the art of growing. They invested in the future with a new greenhouse. This expansion was not just about growing more; it was about giving Alta the flexibility to meet evolving needs. With extra room, they introduced a broader retail selection, delighted to surprise loyal customers with new offerings while maintaining the old favorites everyone cherished. 

Michael and Josh also championed sustainable practices. Where chemicals had once been the norm, they introduced beneficial insects, a gentle and effective alternative for pest control. In a world where 

 box stores often favor profit over people and product, Alta stands apart. Here, every plant is cared for with pride. Josh and Michael prioritize growing as much as possible in house rather than importing everything from outside suppliers. Roger’s tradition of giving back continues as Michael and Josh took their place on local boards and pour time and resources into community projects. Over the years, Alta has been the supplier for different grocery stores or managed indoor plantscapes at local businesses and restaurants. 

 The search for the unique never ceases. Michael and Josh have became renowned for seeking out rare and unusual plants, finding gifts that fit the community’s quirks and wishes. Customers learned to come with open minds and leave with treasures they couldn’t find anywhere else. Alta’s success, however, is not just the story of owners, but of the people who make up its beating heart. Alta is not just a business; it is a living, breathing gift to Mansfield, and its roots are only growing deeper.