Interview with Patrick Merz, garden center manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My journey began in Minnesota, which is where I lived most of my life. I received my education in horticulture there and was fortunate enough to work at two of the Twin Cities’ most well-known garden centers. I’ve been involved in the landscape horticulture field since 1996 and have been employed at Highlands Garden Center since 2007.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I feel what differentiates us from other businesses in our category is the fact that our business is full service. The homeowner can buy paint for their window trim, fertilizer for their lawn, have a new key made for the front door, build a fairy garden, ship packages by UPS, have a propane tank filled, buy bird seed, pick out a fresh Christmas tree, buy plants for the porch or backyard and buy a plunger for their clogged toilet. And if that wasn’t enough, we have a rental department, small engine repair shop, lawn sprinkler center and landscape design service. We offer something to fill most every homeowner or garden lover’s need.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: What I like most about my line of work is that it’s constantly changing. There’s the obvious changes that occur with the seasons, but what’s most enjoyable is that plants are continually changing, too. New varieties are being introduced every year. New introductions might have improved color, longer bloom time or yield more fruit. It’s fun to be a part of bringing that to the consumer.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our business’ biggest challenge is attracting new customers. Baby Boomers still comprise the majority of our clientele. This segment of shoppers has given us great success. Our hope is that the same pride of homeownership that we see with this generation will continue with generations X and Y. As long as we’re open and willing to change to meet the needs of this new breed of shopper, we’re hopeful that our success will continue.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I think what might surprise people the most about our business is that we employ more than 100 people during spring and summer. It takes a lot of people to keep the store running, and we’re very fortunate to have a staff that helps us get to the finish line.
Profile
Business: Big Tool Box and Highlands Garden Center
Address: 8080 S. Holly St., Centennial
Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 1971
Contact:
Employees: 55 year round; up to 115 during spring and summer
