Growing Through the Years

Growing Through the Years

Charles Romans

The Ashland Beacon

Imel’s Greenhouse on Route 1 in Greenup, Kentucky, has been part of the community for 50 years, with many in the region unable to recall a time when owner Kenny Imel, his wife, and their family were not a crucial part of the growing season. What began as a partnership between Imel, and his brother has grown into much more than a business providing plants to local farmers, landscapers, and individuals who simply want to add a bit of vibrant natural color and appeal to their homes.

“I started in Greenup County, and as far as I know, I’m going to finish in Greenup County,” Kenny Imel said of his decades-long journey.

Over the years, Imel’s Greenhouse has weathered many changes across the landscape of an evolving and often difficult economy while continuing to meet the needs of customers in the community and beyond.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of the community,” Imel said. “And the community has been really good to us.”

“When I started this business with my brother, we borrowed $5,000,” Imel said. “He was with me less than a year, but we started it together with that much money. Today, that’s nowhere near enough to get started.”

Imel said he remembers that the first trailer load of enriched soil they purchased cost around $3,300. Today, that same load costs more than $10,000. The first greenhouse they put up—which wasn’t truly sufficient for their needs—would cost more than $20,000 in today’s dollars.

Imel said the business requires a lot of work, but he can’t imagine doing anything else. “As long as I’m healthy, I’ll be right here,” he said.

He can’t imagine not helping the community meet its needs with quality plants and the benefit of the experience and knowledge he has gained since he first opened the doors. Plus, the community inspires him, Imel said.

“There was a gentleman in here the other day who is 89 years old, and he’s still rolling.”

Imel, who is 64, said he hopes to remain that active when he approaches 90. “It’s all about consistency and being in it for the long haul,” Imel said of the business. “And that applies to any aspect of agriculture because you are talking about a growing crop. You have to grow it to sell it. Some of the annuals, for instance, require six months to a year of growing time. And with some of the shrubbery, you will have several years invested before bringing it to the customer.”

This, he said, is the nature of the business. Customers aren’t paying for the plant so much as they are paying for the investment of time and labor it takes to bring those plants to them.

Along with the consistency required to keep the greenhouse as healthy as the plants they sell, Imel said they are always trying new things they think customers might be interested in growing.

“And everyone doesn’t garden in the ground,” he said. “So, we’ve got containers and a lot of different soil mixes. We try to make their lives easier,” he said of his customers. “And we always want to give them a better product.”

Part of making customers’ lives easier, he said, is helping them decide how they want to grow, including which plants to choose and how to achieve their ultimate goals. Imel said he could simply sell people whatever they ask for, but that isn’t what he wants to do because he believes it defeats the purpose of a local community business.

“Mistakes can get expensive,” Imel said. “So, we like to help them understand what they need to do to keep their plants healthy so they can enjoy them longer.”

“I want to help you get started on the right foot,” Imel said. “Because I don’t want you to be a one-time customer. I want you to keep coming back every year for the next 20 years.”

Imel’s philosophy has kept customers coming back for 50 years, with the expectation of at least 50 more.

“We love being here for the community because the community has always been here for us,” he said. “And that’s what it’s all about, much more than making money. You can make money doing almost anything,” Imel said. “But when you are fortunate enough to do something, you love while helping your friends and neighbors, that’s a better legacy and a better future for everyone.”