5 Minutes With … Kit Leider Pierri

September/October 2021
5 Minutes With … Kit Leider Pierri By Teresa McPherson

Kit Leider Pierri is garden center manager/communications director at Leider Greenhouses.

Kit Leider Pierri is garden center manager/communications director at Leider Greenhouses and an alumnus of GPN Magazine’s 40 Under 40.

Could you share a little about your background?

I’m a fifth generation family member of our business, Leider Greenhouses, which was founded in 1898 by my great-great-grandfather. He was an immigrant from Luxembourg who grew vegetables and flowers in Evanston, Illinois. Later, my great-grandfather and grandfather moved to Buffalo Grove, where our main growing facility is located. I “officially” joined the business in 2014 and started by working at our garden center. Eventually, I transitioned into the role of garden center manager and communications director.

What’s the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is finding ways to be creative and innovative in the garden center.  I enjoy finding solutions to problems, creating systems that work best for our employees and customers, and seeing the joy that flowers bring our customers every day (and whenever a dog comes to shop!)

What keeps you up at night?

Typically, my never-ending to-do list keeps me up during the peak seasons. Even though we have an incredible team, we can never get everything accomplished during the day. So that leaves me thinking before bed about what needs to be done in the morning.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in hort?

If I wasn’t in horticulture, I’d probably be working with rescue dogs or people with disabilities. I’ve always felt a strong call to both those areas.

What’s something that few people know about you?

I’m “secretly” addicted to candy and have it at least once a day 🙂

Favorite plant to grow? Why?

Recently, I’ve loved growing SunPatiens and zinnias — they’re hardy, reliable, and a great performer for everyone!



Teresa McPherson

Teresa McPherson is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].