n early 1977, Ismael ("Mel") Resendiz and his brothers Porfirio, Raul and Ramon immigrated to California and began their careers in the floral industry. Since much of their background had been in farming in various parts of Mexico , it was natural for the brothers to pursue farming opportunities.  Mel took a temporary position working as a farmhand at Zorro Protea Farms in the hills east of Ranch Santa Fe and soon realized his passion for flowers and plants - particularly South African and Australian varieties.  Mel eventually became Zorro's Farm Manager and had the good fortune to have many of his family members by his side.  Learning about these wonderful flowers and plants was made easy because the education and training was provided by California 's best and most experience Protea growers - Howard Asper Sr. and Dr. Peter Sacks.

     In 1995, Dr. Sacks and Mel had became partners of a ten acre property (now referred as Rainbow Crest) in the Hills of Rainbow, CA.  Rainbow is a small community in  Northern San Diego County and is considered a part of the city of Fallbrook .  After many years of growing Australian and African plants, they realized that Rainbow had the prefect soil conditions and climate for expanding their growing grounds.  Rainbow Crest is now home to some of California 's most beautiful Pincushions and Leucadendrons.  This ten acres in Rainbow has expanded to over 100 acres and the growth continues.

     Unfortunately in early 1999, Zorro Protea Farms went out of business, leaving Mel and his family on their own.  However, their passion for the flowers and plants, as well as the floral industry continued on as they established Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers LLC.  Their goal remains the same: to provide the newest, freshest, top-quality floral products and plants to all their customers.