In this engaging interview, Scott and Taylor, owners of Brewer’s Nursery, discuss their entrepreneurial journey, sharing insights on what it takes to buy and operate a nursery. They open up about their motivations, the challenges they faced, and how they have built a thriving business together as a couple. If you’re interested in small business ownership, working as a couple, or the nursery industry, this video offers a wealth of practical knowledge and inspiration.

The Decision to Buy a Business

Scott and Taylor reveal that after years in the corporate world, they decided to escape the “corporate rat race” for something that offered them more flexibility and time with their family. The couple wanted more control over their lives, leading them to purchase Brewer’s Nursery. They explain that while owning a business presents its own challenges, starting with an established company allowed them to generate income from day one, which was a key factor in their decision.

The First Days of Business Ownership

The couple recalls their first day running the nursery, describing the whirlwind of meeting customers and learning the ropes. Scott explains how they chose to observe the business for a few months before making any significant changes. This approach allowed them to evaluate what was working before implementing their own vision. Taylor emphasizes how surreal it was to see customers walking in and money being earned, highlighting the immediate rewards of owning an established business.

Facing Early Challenges

Scott and Taylor discuss the challenges of working with the team they inherited from the previous owners. As new leaders, they experienced some resistance to change but eventually built a new team that aligned with their customer-centric approach. They shifted their hiring focus from strictly finding “plant people” to seeking out “people people”—employees who could deliver excellent customer service while learning about plants over time.

Shifting the Culture at Brewer’s Nursery

The couple dives into their efforts to change the culture at Brewer’s Nursery. They worked to instill a focus on quality and customer service, encouraging their team to prioritize customer satisfaction over quick sales. Scott and Taylor share how they increased the quality of their plants by switching suppliers, even though this meant raising prices. This decision paid off as customers began to recognize the higher standards, building a reputation for quality in the local market.

Growing Together as a Couple

Scott and Taylor reflect on the dynamics of working together as a married couple. They acknowledge that while there are occasional disagreements, their different strengths complement each other. Taylor, the visionary, often brings big ideas, while Scott, the numbers guy, ensures that their decisions are grounded in practicality. This balance has allowed them to expand the business thoughtfully, including investing in new facilities to grow their interior plant offerings.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Brewer’s Nursery

As they approach their four-year anniversary, Scott and Taylor discuss their plans for the future. They are preparing for a rebrand and are working with consultants to redesign their space and double their capacity. Despite the challenges posed by external factors like weather, they are focused on continuous improvement and expansion, ensuring that Brewer’s Nursery continues to grow in both reputation and scale.