With a longstanding reputation for providing high quality materials and excellent customer service, Aptos Landscape Supply has roots in the community that began back in 1948 as a small quarry business, known as Cabrillo Sand & Gravel. Around 1955, the 5035 Freedom Boulevard property was taken over by Joe Redfield, who lived with his family in the house at the property entrance. The quarry began operating as a sand and gravel screening plant, where it produced concrete mix, construction sand, and various types of decorative gravel.
In 1965, Virgil Kester acquired the quarry, and began operating it with his son, Virgil Jr, and their partner Jim Johnson. About the time that Jim Johnson sold his interest to the Kesters in 1966, the duo expanded the Cabrillo Sand & Gravel offerings to include landscaping materials, such as topsoil, compost, brick, and natural stone.
The growing company needed additional hands, so they hired Vern Packer in 1971, a recently discharged U.S. Air Force veteran, as the manager of landscape material sales. Under his management, the landscape materials business flourished, and was further expanded when Vern bought Virgil Kester Sr.’s share of the company. Vern Packer became the sole owner of Cabrillo Sand & Gravel when Virgil Kester Jr. sold his share to him in 1981.
Recognizing the need to make the company more approachable to customers and diversified at the impending end of the quarry operation, Vern changed its name to Aptos Landscape Supply in 1990. Under this new moniker, the business thrived, providing high quality landscaping materials and tools for commercial and residential projects in Santa Cruz County and the greater Bay Area, as well as top-notch customer service.
After 36 years as an owner, in 2007, Vern decided to sell Aptos Landscape Supply. However, he couldn’t quite stay away from the company he had built, so he struck a deal with purchaser, Rick Santee, to stay on as a consultant to complete the quarry reclamation plan. Together, along with Rick’s son, Erik, they worked together for 9 years, until 2016, when Erik acquired the business from his father. Under Erik’s leadership, Aptos Landscape Supply will continue to expand and grow its landscaping services for the greater Bay area. He is proud to be at the helm of this storied company, and will continue the heritage of this longtime favorite landscape materials establishment.
Aptos Landscape Supply now features a wide variety of landscaping and hardscaping materials and products, offering everything from basics like soil, sand, gravel and flagstone, to bigger items like pond supplies, artificial lawns, retaining walls and boulders. At the heart of everything, they offer exceptional customer service and a knowledgeable staff who are more than willing to offer landscaping ideas and advice for projects large and small.
