Mendon greenhouse flourishes despite heavy competition
October 5th, 2015 Posted in Arts and LifeStory and Photos by Jordan Floyd
MENDON — Despite tough competition from Logan big-box stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, Mendon’s Fonnesbeck Greenhouse continues to thrive on the west side of the Valley after 20 years in business.
FONNESBECK’s — Blooming since 1995. (Jordan Floyd photo)
Barry Fonnesbeck, who founded the business with his wife, Tawna, credits the greenhouse’s success to quality service and products, and a financial strategy does not include bank loans.
“We give quality service,” Barry Fonnesbeck said. “People call and ask questions about things even if they aren’t buying it here.”
The greenhouse, which is on Mendon’s main drag at 214 N. 100 West, typically employs three to four people, most of whom are skilled in horticulture and botany. For example, the Fonnesbecks’ daughter and employee Blaire Paull holds a degree in horticulture from Utah State University, and Barry Fonnesbeck himself possesses a whole lifetime of experience in cultivation.
Paull grew up at the greenhouse. “I’ve been working here since I was 7,” she said. “People come because we do our job.”
Taking care of the greenhouse is no easy task. Tawna Fonnesbeck says the greenhouse covers nearly an acre and requires her to work more than full-time to maintain it. Nonetheless, both Fonnesbecks say they love what they do, and think that attitude contributes to their success.
“If it wasn’t fun, it would just be a whole lot of work,” Tawna said.
Other retail businesses in Mendon have struggled in the past. Paull noted that Mendon used to have a gas station and grocery store, but they were unable to compete with bigger businesses outside of the small city. The Fonnesbecks work hard to avoid a similar fate.
“It’s always tough if you’re not tough,” Barry said. “If you do a good job people will come out — you have to make it worth the drive.”
TP
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