A Legacy of Growth: Celebrating Fred and the Roots of PJC
There are moments in every company’s story when it’s worth pausing to look back at where it all began and recognize the people who made it possible. This week, we celebrate Fred’s birthday (April 16th)! So, what better time to pause and celebrate his impact on PJC Organic’s origin.
In 2001, Fred Newcombe stepped away from a successful career in the IT world and chose a different path; one rooted not in screens and systems, but in soil and stewardship. It wasn’t the obvious choice. But it was the right one. What began as a leap of faith soon became something much bigger.
From One Decision to a Movement
In 2002, PJC & Company was founded as a small, family-run landscaping business on Boston’s North Shore, focused on organic fertilization.
At a time when “organic” was far from mainstream, Fred and his wife Pam were early adopters committed to doing things differently. They believed that caring for land meant more than just appearances. It meant working with nature, not against it. That belief still defines PJC today.
From those early days treating residential lawns, the company grew. First, by refining its approach. Then, by solving a bigger problem: the lack of truly effective, all-natural products.
That challenge led PJC to begin distributing fertilizers in 2005, and eventually to manufacturing their own.
Built on Curiosity, Grit, and a Love of Soil
If you know Fred, you know this: he’s always been deeply curious. About the newest bike models, ski passes, and running races. But also about: how soil works, how roots grow, and how to do things better.
That curiosity helped shape PJC into more than a product company. It became a place where ideas are tested and refined through field trials, customer conversations, and ongoing education.
Fred’s commitment to learning and teaching has extended beyond PJC as well. As a NOFA Organic Land Care Accredited Professional and former board member, he has helped influence the broader organic land care movement.
For Fred, this was never just about one business; it was about raising the standard for an entire industry.
A Family Company, In Every Sense
From the beginning, PJC has been a family story. Founded by Fred and Pam, built alongside their children, PJC has always been about relationships as much as results. That shows up in how PJC works with customers — not just selling products, but sharing knowledge, listening, and building long-term partnerships.
It shows up in a commitment to supporting local businesses, shortening supply chains, and helping others grow alongside us. Lastly, it shows up in the deeper ways the Newcombe family has lived out their values, opening their home to foster children and investing in lives far beyond the lawn.
Where We Are Today
Today, PJC is no longer just a service company. It’s a trusted provider of organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and education for landscapers, schools, municipalities, and homeowners. It’s a company that continues to test its products in the field, staying grounded in real-world results. It’s also a community of customers, partners, and advocates working toward a shared goal. A goal of healthier soil, safer environments, and sustainable land care practices.
Looking Ahead
Fred’s journey isn’t just something to celebrate; it’s something that continues. The same principles that started PJC still guide where it’s going:
- Stewardship over shortcuts
- Innovation rooted in real experience
- Relationships built on trust
- A belief that good things grow when you care for what’s beneath the surface
As PJC moves forward, we carry that legacy with us. Thank you Fred, for the risks you took, the standards you set, and the curiosity you never lost. Thanks for planting something that continues to grow, year after year.