Blog

Sep 24, 2014

The Next Food Network Starpmihalek

Just wanted to give a big digital pat on the back to hort industry stalwart Jonathan Bardzik. Jonathan's the former director of marketing for ANLA, cookbook author of Simple Summer and, most recently,... more

Sep 10, 2014

A Few of What’s Newpmihalek

I just returned home after spending three days in Atlantic City for the Arett Sales Open House. This was my first time at this distributor's show. It was one of the few industry events that allowed me... more

Aug 27, 2014

Kings of the Commode, Timely Colors & Parental Advisoriespmihalek

Is your garden center's bathroom ready for the in-laws? Or your favorite local celebrity? You never know who'll pop into your store on a busy Sunday or lazy Wednesday afternoon just to use your restro... more

Aug 13, 2014

Eating Right – The Ultimate Health Care Planpmihalek

Last weekend, the Virginia Beach location of McDonald Garden Center hosted an indoor herb garden workshop. Great idea. But it didn't stop there. In working with Sentara, a regional medical group, its ... more

Jul 23, 2014

Merchandising, Marketing & Managementpmihalek

It's hard to believe Cultivate'14 is already in the rearview ... and AmericanHort is wasting no time getting a jump on Cultivate'15. This year's event made significant strides in catering to growers A... more

Jul 9, 2014

Trade Show Seasonpmihalek

As the summer heat sets in and foot traffic at your store begins to wane a little, the foot traffic on your nearest trade show floor is about to spike. This Saturday, my busy trade show season starts ... more

Jun 25, 2014

Hitting Your Targetspmihalek

A good buddy of mine just opened up a new training center in a big warehouse space on the westside of Cleveland. Somewhat similar to a Crossfit gym, his place has the necessities and nothing more, alo... more

Jun 11, 2014

The Final Dayspmihalek

Not to get all dramatic or anything, but this is it. Time is running out on your chance to become the next Merchandiser of the Year and bring home prizes that will immediately and positively affect yo... more

May 28, 2014

Homeward Boundpmihalek

Flying home to Cleveland for an extended Memorial Day weekend promised three things: cooler temps (compared to Phoenix), an extra 10 pounds to my midsection AND a tour of some of the midwest's most co... more

May 14, 2014

It Pays to Be Rude!?!pmihalek

Some people call gardening a luxury hobby. Or at the very least, something we spend disposable income on. That said, the following bit of research is something I hope will elicit a chuckle or two. In ... more

Apr 23, 2014

First of Manypmihalek

Disclaimer: For the next two months I'm going to sound like a broken record. But it's for your own good ... it really is.It's that time of year when you're busy as a bee (or about to be), and your pla... more

Apr 9, 2014

Spring Trials First Timerpmihalek

Well, I finally made it – California Spring Trials 2014. I can cross it off my hort bucket list. I’m on day five of six, traveling the California coast (SFO to LAX) with my peeps from our sister p... more