The year 1956 found us, Clarence and Sandra Bishop, expecting our first child. Sandra was working at the bank but wanted to be a stay at home “Mom” when their children came along. What could she do to bring in a little income for the family that would allow her to do this?
Calvin Brown, Sandra’s father, suggested they might start a pecan retail/mail order business. Clarence was already buying and selling pecans wholesale with his father and brothers. A small mail order business was purchased from a gentleman in Fairhope, consisting of 1 pecan cracker and 200 customers. Bishop and Brown or “B & B” Pecan Co., was born. In the beginning, all we sold were pecans in the shell or cracked and 2 lb. boxes of halves or pieces.
Over the last 65 years, the retail shop has grown to include over 100 pecan items for our customers to enjoy. The mail order business includes individual customers as well as large corporate clients. We have customers in all 50 states. No matter how big or small, we continue to ensure the quality of our products is second to none and our service is warm and friendly.
Our technology has grown from Sandra’s old upright Underwood manual typewriter to computers and websites. In the last several years we have been able to offer our corporate clients customized gift tins with their individual logos for their gift giving.
As we are now in our 80’s, the second generation of our family is taking over the reins. Mona, the first child, is implementing the latest technology along with some great “tech-savvy” employees. Doug, the second child, is overseeing and managing the farming operation. Clarence and I do what we can to help (consultants??)
Y’all come by to see us when you can.