5 Minutes With … Mark Ruibal
Mark Ruibal is owner of Ruibal’s Plants of Texas, with four locations around the Dallas Metroplex.
What’s the most rewarding part about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is probably the people we meet and the excitement many have when visiting the nursery. Very few people are in a bad mood wandering around the nursery. New customers are fun because, many times, they’re taking a leap into plants and assuring and helping them is exciting. Similarly, I enjoy the relationships with people I’ve known for years; it becomes more than just the plants, even though that’s our context. We see kids and grandkids coming back. There are nice connections with all sorts of people.
What is your biggest goal for 2025?
We’re working on transitioning from my parents’ leadership of the company to my generation.
As a family business, what measures do you take to separate the family part from the business part?
Having separate and defined roles helps us to be accountable to each other in the business and encourages us to work toward a common goal. If we’re honestly doing that, it’s not so hard to have dinner together. We also realize that any disagreements at work are just work; there doesn’t have to be carryover into family life. Sometimes it’s harder than others, but the main premise is the same.
What has surprised you about running the business?
Since I’ve been in it since I was a teenager, I didn’t have preconceived notions that led to a surprise. I think it’s interesting that, no matter how much you think you know, there’s always more to learn. Preparation is key to dealing with the unexpected turns that confront you. Weather is always an issue. Trucks will always break down in the busy season — and lucky for us there are always flowers to smell when the days are tough.
Favorite plant to grow?
I’m a big fan of Hardy Hibiscus. The huge blooms are always good to see as the summer starts. I’m also a huge fan of salvia ‘Black & Blue.’ The color is unique, and the fact that it attracts hummingbirds is a plus.
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