📺 Watch, Subscribe, Follow on YouTube & Spotify

Website - https://harnoisgreenhouse.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/

“You know what I'm really pushing for is actually a plant graveyard, because I feel like it'd be nice to know how many plants I've killed over time, and I feel like that's a little bit of fun, too,” says Tom Van Wingerden, sales director at Van Wingerden Greenhouses, who joins Greenhouse Success Stories to share a refreshingly candid—and often humorous—look at the realities of running a multi-generational greenhouse operation in the Pacific Northwest.

From childhood “oasis plug fights” among eleven siblings to the challenges of losing major retail accounts and the necessity-driven innovation behind their custom fundraising software, Tom Van Wingerden reveals how loving plants (and people) is at the heart of greenhouse success. Tune in for actionable business insights, real-world stories, and the evolving blend of tradition and technology that helps this family farm thrive.

1. Diversify your customer base—don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Proactively seek new wholesale and retail partners to safeguard your greenhouse’s future.
2. Streamline your operations with tech—build or adopt software tools like Plant Buy to simplify fundraiser management and scale effortlessly.
3. Leverage fundraisers for growth—collaborate with local organizations to attract new customers, expand reach, and strengthen community ties.
4. Focus on what works—hone in on a select range of products and customers so you can control quality and master your market.
5. Connect with people—relationships drive success. Invest in trust, nurture partnerships, and make every interaction count.

"I think it has to start with a love for plants. I don't think anybody gets into this industry because they want to make money. It's more about loving to grow plants and loving to be around plants, and if they make money doing that, that's the lifestyle we're looking for."

"We're trying to help people be successful with their plants at home, no matter what plant it is. You can buy a monstera and bring it home, and we'll help you take care of it—you’re not in this alone."

"You really need to love both plants and people to be in this industry. Plants and people—you need to love them both to succeed."

Tom's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-van-wingerden/

Wingerden LinkedIn -