Building Something You Love: A Valentine’s Day Conversation with Ann Johnson
This Valentine’s Day, we’re reflecting on what it means to build something you love, and the importance of who you share it with. Our team sat down with Morgan Corp.’s matriarch, Ann Johnson, to hear her thoughts on love, legacy, and a very special shade of green.
Building a Company
Q: When you think about Stewart’s legacy at Morgan Corp., what part of his work are you most proud of?
“He’s always been thankful for the people who helped along the way, whether it was someone giving Morgan a chance at a job or a bank willing to loan money to a very small, very young company. Many people today cannot fully grasp what Morgan looked like in the beginning. When Stewart and his brother, George, bought the company in May of 1971, the office was a trailer. Sometimes I would go in and answer the phone when needed…as with most family businesses, you help where you can!”
Q: What do you think people need to know about starting a career in construction with Morgan Corp?
“Most people don’t know right off hand how to operate heavy equipment or manage construction projects. Those things can be taught. What matters most is attitude, character, and a willingness to learn. Positivity and honor go a long way.”
Building a Culture
“What truly matters is time together. It strengthens relationships beyond just the workday with company functions and events, ones where you can bring your family. Morgan checks on people. They go above and beyond for employees. Now, at Morgan Corp., that may feel common, but in many other companies that kind of care would be unusual. I am very proud of that.”
Building a Brand
Q: Let’s get down to the real question here…Is it true you created the iconic Morgan Corp. Green?
“Yes, that’s true. It was bright, distinctive, happy, and different. No one else had green trucks at the time. When I came home with that first green vehicle, Stewart wasn’t so sure, but, I told him, ‘Trust me, this will be great for advertising.’
You had to use a special type of paint for trucks, so I went to a paint supplier in Greenville to have the color mixed properly. It wasn’t called ‘Morgan Green’ at the time, but over the years, that’s what everyone began calling it.
As someone who loves gardening, green just made sense to me. It was vibrant, memorable, and honored the legacy of what Morgan was when we bought it: a landscape company.”
Building a Partnership
Q: What’s the secret to a happy marriage after all these years?
“No marriage is perfect, but ours is perfect for us. You must give and take, but I also truly believe that respect is essential—respect for the other person’s needs, desires, and responsibilities.
We were married in 1971, the same year Stewart and George bought Morgan Landscape. So, we’ve been through the lean times and the growing times together. I would also add that we were raised with similar values and faith. That strong foundation is incredibly valuable when entering what you hope is a life-long relationship. The other night Stewart said, ‘I married the right person.’ And I told him, ‘I did too.”
From all of us at Morgan Corp., we hope you take the time to celebrate love, legacy, and relationships that make achievement worthwhile. Happy Valentine’s Day!