News Summary
Susan Reavis, former owner of Reems Creek Nursery, highlights the crucial need for effective succession planning in the horticultural sector. She shares her personal experiences and urges garden center owners to engage in open communication to avoid potential conflicts during ownership transitions. As a speaker at the upcoming 2025 Garden Center Conference, Reavis aims to provide actionable strategies for successful succession planning tailored specifically for the industry.
Asheville, North Carolina
The importance of succession planning in the horticultural sector has come to the forefront, as Susan Reavis, former owner and treasurer of Reems Creek Nursery, emphasizes the necessity for garden centers to establish effective succession plans to protect both business interests and family relationships. Her personal experiences highlight the challenges that arise when succession planning is not properly addressed.
Reavis reflects on her journey in running the family nursery, which was established by her parents in their front yard around 1980. She was actively involved in the business from a young age, gaining hands-on experience during her high school years, which later complemented her formal education with a two-year degree in accounting. As her parents gradually stepped back from daily operations, Reavis took on more responsibilities, including the launch of a dedicated plant-growing location, a role she relished during her tenure.
Despite her successful management of the nursery, Reavis faced challenges due to the lack of a structured succession plan. This deficit became apparent as she and her brother navigated the transition of the family business, underscoring a common issue among first-generation entrepreneurs who often find it difficult to relinquish control. As a result, the burden of planning for the future frequently falls to the next generation, which can lead to tension and misunderstandings if not managed properly.
Need for Clear Communication
Reavis stresses the significance of honest communication during the succession planning process. Transparent discussions can help avert potential conflicts and foster strong familial bonds, which are crucial when transferring ownership of a business. She encourages other garden center owners to take proactive steps in initiating their succession planning conversations, highlighting that a well-devised succession plan is essential not only for the business’s sustainability but also for preserving family harmony.
Upcoming Conference Session
As part of her initiative to inspire change within the industry, Reavis will be speaking at the 2025 Garden Center Conference and Expo. She aims to share the lessons learned from her decade-long experience in succession planning. Alongside her son-in-law and a seasoned industry consultant, she will discuss actionable strategies for effective succession planning specifically tailored for garden centers. This session is scheduled for 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, and is expected to provide attendees with valuable insights into creating and implementing successful transition plans.
Background on Reems Creek Nursery
Founded in the early 1980s, Reems Creek Nursery has been a staple in the Asheville community for several decades, providing a wide range of plants and gardening supplies. Through her leadership, Reavis has cultivated a strong brand, known for the quality of its products and the satisfaction of its customers. She has expressed a deep passion for nurturing plants, emphasizing the joy that comes from supplying healthy starts for customers’ homes.
Reavis’s advocacy for succession planning resonates with many in the gardening industry, as it not only addresses the complexities of transitioning business ownership but also highlights the emotional aspects tied to family-run enterprises. As the horticultural landscape continues to evolve, her message serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness in securing the future of garden centers.
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Additional Resources
- Garden Center Magazine: Succession Planning in Horticulture
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- Wikipedia: Succession Planning
