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Or sign-in if you have an account.Emily Tregunno, co-CEO at the Halifax Seed Company, poses for a photo at its Halifax store. Halifax Seed is celebrating its 160th anniversary. Photo by Ryan TaplinBefore online banking, credit cards or even Confederation, Halifax Seed became the first commercial customer of a newly formed bank. 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One year after opening its doors, it became the first business to open a commercial banking relationship with RBC. “It’s pretty wild,” Emily Tregunno, co-CEO of Halifax Seed, said in an interview. “I think it’s special to be able to share that and have the relationship that we have with RBC today. Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“I’d like to say it’s a claim to fame that both parties enjoy. But if you think about it too long, the legacy gets pretty overwhelming.” Halifax Seed is led by Emily Tregunno and her sister, Ali Tregunno, who became co-CEOs in 2023. Emily Tregunno said the company would not be what it is today without their suppliers, vendors, customers and team members. Photo by Ryan TaplinThe bank was known as the Merchants Bank of Halifax when the seed merchant first walked through its doors in 1866. (It wasn’t until 1901 when Merchants Bank changed its name to the Royal Bank of Canada).“Halifax Seed hasn’t just been a client,” Kellie Sauriol, regional vice-president of RBC Commercial Banking, Atlantic Canada, said in an email. “They’ve been a cornerstone of this city – helping families put down roots, beautifying our neighbourhoods, and strengthening the local economy for generations.“We are incredibly proud of their success and look forward to being their trusted banking partner for many years to come.”As Halifax Seed celebrates a milestone few Canadian businesses ever reach – 160 years in operation – the company has evolved into a leader in the horticultural and agriculture industry in Atlantic Canada for wholesale customers and home gardeners. The business is led by Tregunno and her sister, Ali Tregunno, who became co-CEOs in 2023. For Emily Tregunno, the secret to the company’s longevity is straightforward. “I truly believe that it comes down to partnerships,” she said. “It’s the strong relationships that you have with your suppliers and vendors, your customers, and of course your team members. Halifax Seed would not be what it is today without all three. “It speaks to our culture and our values and how we treat people. We provide expert service and knowledge, especially the technical knowledge, to home growers right through to commercial growers and professional turf managers. It’s us being true to ourselves and doing the best we possibly can for our customers while representing our suppliers.” The Tregunno family’s roots with the company stretch back over a century. In 1925, Tregunno’s great-grandfather Alfred Tregunno, a travelling seed salesman originally from Hamilton, Ont., purchased Halifax Seed after the previous owner died. Seeing promise in the business, he moved his family to Nova Scotia. Over the decades, the company expanded from a local seed merchant into a business serving home gardeners, commercial growers, golf courses and landscape professionals. Today, Halifax Seed operates retail stores in Halifax and Saint John, N.B. “It’s a big legacy that comes with a huge responsibility. They’re large shoes to fill,” Emily Tregunno said of her great-grandfather. “I believe each generation has their stamp on Halifax Seed in their own unique way. I’d like to think that Ali and I will do the same. It’s a large responsibility.” Neither sister saw themselves running the family business. Their father, Tim, its third-generation CEO, was a stalwart in the Canadian seed industry. Emily Tregunno, co-CEO of Halifax Seed, poses for a photo outside her garden centre on June 4. Photo by Ryan TaplinEmily joined the company’s marketing team after graduating from Saint Mary’s University in 2006. Four years later, Ali was brought on board as a sales representative in New Brunswick. But the Tregunno family faced a serious challenge when Tim was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. He continued to work as long as possible before stepping back from the business in 2010. Tim died in 2012 at 55. The Tregunno siblings stepped in to become the latest generation to run the business.“I would like to say that the values and culture have continued,” Emily Tregunno said. “It’s really important that we don’t lose sight of those family values. We’re not incredibly corporate. We’re a fairly relaxed work environment and we all support one another, care for one another, and that extends to our customers and our suppliers as well.” In 2016, she and Ali purchased shares from their uncle, who retired after 33 years, strengthening their commitment to the business and setting the stage for their eventual transition to co-CEOs. That transition came with challenges. Both sisters are raising families while leading a growing business. “We’re both moms and we’re very much involved in our families,” Emily said. “We’re the moms that don’t want to miss a sporting event, so we have to find the balance. “But the business is almost like one of our kids and sometimes it’s the most needy kid. You need to put attention where the attention deserves.” Today, Halifax Seed is 100 per cent female-owned, with Emily, Ali and their mother, Nancy, holding ownership stakes in the company. Halifax Seed is 100 per cent female-owned, with Emily and Ali Tregunno and their mother, Nancy, holding ownership stakes in the company. Photo by The Chronicle HeraldTregunno is proud of that fact, though she emphasizes that the company’s success has been built on hard work and a shared commitment to its customers. “It’s just what we do,” she said. “We get up in the morning and we work and we work to build a team in a community of like-minded people that are all growing towards similar goals.” Halifax Seed employs about 50 full-time, year-round staff plus seasonal workers. While the business competes against major retailers, national chains and online competitors, Tregunno said local loyalty remains a powerful advantage in Atlantic Canada. “There’s a sense of home and wanting to support and lift up the local businesses that are here and contributing directly to our community.” Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.