Markman Peat: A Rich History Of Beautiful Landscaping
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Markman Peat has had a rich history of beautiful landscaping, creating new environments with vibrant soils, hearty mulches and durable rock gardens. Our verdant legacy traces back to the 1940s and has followed the innovations and changes in gardening and landscaping to continue to provide you with an excellent experience in beautifying your environments, and your world.
1940s: Sam Markman established a potato farm in Morrison, IL. During the 1950s, he discovered the value of the reedsedge peat on the property and saw an opportunity for expansion. Around this time, his son, Rob Markman, joined the family business.
1950s – Early 2000s: Under Rob’s leadership, the company evolved beyond farming, adding state-of-the-art facilities that specialized in producing high-quality soils and premium mixes.
2009: Markman Peat Corp. expanded its operations by acquiring New Plant Life Soils in La Porte, IN, strengthening its presence in the soil and landscaping industry.
2011: Rob Markman transitioned ownership of the company to Jeff Widdop and Brian Sherrick. Jeff, a seasoned banking industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, and Brian, with expertise in agronomy, brought a fresh vision to Markman Peat Corp. Their leadership ushered in a new era of modernization and expansion.
2011 – 2015: Markman Peat Corp. focused on automation, enhancing efficiency across all facilities. The product line grew with the addition of decorative rock items, broadening the company’s offerings.
2015: The acquisition of Gummer Peat in Michigan expanded Markman Peat Corp.'s reach into new markets, reinforcing its position as a leader in soil and landscaping products.
2020: The company introduced colored mulches, diversifying its product lineup to better serve customers' evolving needs.
2024: Today, three of our four facilities produce a wide range of products, including premium soils, decorative rock, and high-quality mulches.
At Markman Peat Corp., we are committed to innovation and growth. As we continue to expand, we remain dedicated to delivering the quality and service our customers have trusted for decades.