Greenhouse Revenue Strategy

Abigayle Lett runs a chrysanthemum growing and selling business from her family's 40-acre property in Odessa, Missouri.

Business Overview:

• Two-year-old business growing and selling chrysanthemums (mums) - decorative plants for fall/Halloween season
• Generated $15,000 in revenue last year
• Targeting 100% growth to $30,000 in revenue this year
• Operating with approximately 50% profit margin

Operations:

• Orders small "plug" plants from a supplier in North Carolina
• Purchases necessary supplies: fertilizer, soil, and pots
• Two-week process to prepare plants (mixing soil, organizing by color blocks, planting)
• Plants are arranged on "runs" (large tarps with watering lines)
• 3-4 month growing period with regular watering and fertilizing

Sales Channels:

• Wholesale to hardware stores (current focus)
  • Working on contracts with local and regional hardware stores across Missouri
• School fundraisers through FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapters
• Direct retail sales from her property
• Marketing through social media and local flyer distribution

Expansion:

• Reinvesting profits to build a greenhouse that will:
  • Provide space to start mum plants
  • Generate steady revenue during the six months when not growing mums
  • Create year-round business sustainability

Logistics:

• Uses her sprint car racing trailer to deliver products
• Currently focused on Missouri due to delivery logistics