In 1927, William Phillips started with a small mushroom growing business in Kennett Square, PA. Before this time, mushrooms were a winter crop, in part due to temperature. In 1930, William tinkered with water and ice for temperature control. Ice was not the solution, but by 1938, William would become the first grower to successfully utilize compressors to cool mushroom houses  — making it possible for mushrooms to grow year-round — providing a significant breakthrough for the industry. Williams’s passion for growing top-quality mushrooms and his dedication to customers is what encouraged his drive for innovation. It inspired many in the area including his sons, Donald and Marshall.