Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall —The Grab 'N' Grow Greenhouse/The Witty Farmer
What inspired you to launch your business?
I have been growing plants for about three years now, I was gradually gaining more customers over the years, and I had a problem: I would have to stop in the middle of planting (big row crop farming) to meet my customers to pick up their plants. I absolutely love growing plants, especially the rarer types, meaning the ones that you do not find in big box stores, but I hated stopping all the time to meet with people. I farm with my father, it's just the two of us, and my husband, when he has time to help, so I don't have much extra time, in addition to having over a 100 head of black Angus cattle. I’m busy, but I wanted to continue serving existing customers, and I wanted to reach new ones, as well. This idea popped into my head, overnight one night, and I utilized existing technology. I put it all together, and it works. I am now able to reach so many more people, it's quite amazing.
What is your passion?
Farming, 100%. I've had many different careers, but farming has been the most consistent my whole life. I'm so glad I tried all the other stuff to truly know what makes me happy.
How do you start your day?
Pure quiet. I have a two-and-a-half year old daughter, she enjoys sleeping, thank goodness, so I get up around 6:30am to 7am, no TV, my coffee and a liter of water, make my breakfast (which could be Trix cereal or extra toast with butter and jam so I can give the crusts to my two German Shepherds), I say my rosary before I get on my phone, then do all of my social “media'ing," answer emails, computer work, wake up my daughter, get her ready to go, get myself ready, then head out the door with a plan, only to have it change 5,000 times in one day.
Favorite local businesses?
Farmhouse Bakery because we became friends and business partners when she came to buy some plants. Her baked goods are in the greenhouse refrigerators and are delicious!
What do you deem as success in business?
When you have repeat customers and they say, "We want to make sure you stay open because we love your place." That has happened to my business buddies and myself, it's one of the most grateful, amazing feelings in the world.
What is your number one piece of advice for business owners?
Gradually grow, and only handle what you're capable of handling now. It's so much work, do your research, learn as you go, you won't ever know everything when you open, and make sure you are bringing in some revenue, not having it go all out at once. Take a calculated risk. This way, when you start to grow, there isn't as much strain on your mental state and finances; you will already have a "leg up" having worked out a lot of the kinks, and it'll be more enjoyable growing, rather than diving in headfirst.
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