Small Business Success: The Potting Shed

“Where flowers bloom so does hope.” ~Lady Bird Johnson

It’s always a treat to behold the beauty of spring blossoms, particularly after a long winter. The Potting Shed, Faulk County’s only greenhouse, opened for the season on May 1.

Owners Cindy and Jerry Kopecky started the Faulkton business in 2010. “We had the desire to start this type of business for some time, so when the opportunity and need arose in our community for a greenhouse we eagerly embraced the challenge,” says Cindy, who is a lifelong resident of Faulkton.

Cindy served as the business manager for the Faulkton Area School District for 35 years. She and Jerry embarked on the entrepreneurial dream of starting the Potting Shed after retiring, armed with a passion for gardening and a desire to share it with others.

The Potting Shed has grown considerably over the years. It started with one hoop building. Since then, the business has added another greenhouse as well as an office and main frame building.

The business sells annual flowers, vegetable starts and perennials. It offers custom planting for customers on and off site. Besides the spring greenhouse, winter greens in November have become another facet of the business. The Potting Shed also offers hands-on workshops to give customers an opportunity to try something new with professional support.

The Potting Shed’s reach extends beyond the boundaries of Faulk County. Customers come from as far away as 90 miles away to patronize the greenhouse. Cindy says personalized service is one of the primary reasons for this expansive customer base.

“We feel our business is well known for the quality of our products and the personal attention we give our customers,” says Cindy. “We want our customers to leave our business knowing how to care for their plants and confident that it will be a positive experience for them.”

The Kopeckys employ four part-time, seasonal staff along with family members during the busiest times. “My family and staff really strive to provide a friendly, personal and knowledgeable atmosphere for our customers,” she says. “We all really enjoy what we do!”

Cindy is sure to encourage out of town customers to visit other small area businesses while in town, noting the importance of supporting the area’s entrepreneurial community and working together. She has been pleased to find good support in Faulkton.

“I believe that residents of the area support all of our local businesses and have a deep appreciation for the small businessman’s commitment to the community,” says Cindy. “Small town residents realize how important shopping locally is to the survival of these businesses.”