Hook Greenhouse in southern Lorain County Ohio has expanded to more than 50,000 square feet without changing much about how it operates, like a family business, that is. The company began in 2001 when Charlie Hook and his family put up the first structure. Liz entered the industry in high school and eventually worked at a greenhouse where she met him. "I have always been involved in the green industry as early as high school," she says. They married in the greenhouse in 2004. In 2006, "his parents retired and we bought them out," which made Liz and Charlie the full-time owners. "It came from our love of growing plants. We love to see our customers happy with a product we pour our hearts into. As Charlie states, we like to beautify our community."
© Hook Greenhouse
Plants and seasonal vegetables
At the beginning, the operation leaned more toward a farm market. "When we first started, we were primarily a farm market with some plants," Liz explains. Fast forward two decades, and the story now goes the other way around. "Now we are primarily plants with a side of produce in the fall." Hanging baskets have become one of their strongest draws. "We are known for our hanging baskets. Each year hundreds of customers come just for their baskets." Vegetable plants remain in the mix. "We are also well known for our veggies." Interest has risen as more customers shift toward home food production. "In recent years homesteading and a self-sustaining lifestyle have been on the rise. People are more aware of what kind of food they are putting into their bodies."
Even so, the vegetable side is limited and seasonal. "We only have field-grown vegetables in the fall. We open for the mum season in September and that is when we will stock tomatoes, peppers, kohlrabi, and some others. We have cut back on growing vegetables and focus more on growing plants."
© Hook Greenhouse
Many of the improvements on site fall under the practical category. "We try to be as sustainable as we can. We are constantly recycling and upcycling. We use what we have and try to find new ways to innovate what we do." Upgrades include a bale shaver for bulk material, flood benches to recapture water, roof vents for airflow, and heated concrete floors in select houses. A retention pond is under construction and will be tied into irrigation when finished. "We have been adding heated concrete floors to some of our houses with great success."
Liz and Charlie live on the property with their children Henry and Katie. "Managing a greenhouse while raising a family is quite challenging. We are torn in many directions," she says. At the same time, the setup still comes with benefits. "It is also very rewarding. We live on the property, so we get to homeschool our children." The appel doesn't fall far from the tree, and when not busy with school stuff, kids actively participate in the greenhouse life. "Not only do they help with operations, but they are also very creative. They are always coming up with ideas to improve and expand." Liz says they are learning "healthy living, strong family bonds, and how to manage different personalities with a kind heart and a helpful spirit."
Right medium is crucial
Staffing is shaped more by attitude than experience. "Our crew is made up of a very eclectic group of people. They range in age from a high school student to a senior who has retired but loves gardening. We do not always hire based on skills. We look more at personality type. Our staff must be very friendly and helpful." Training uses hands on instruction, videos, walkie talkie communication, and knowledge passed down by long time workers. "We do see the greenhouse as an opportunity for mentorship. We love to educate anyone willing to learn."
© Hook GreenhouseEverybody doing their best
One element they do not adjust is their growing medium. The Hooks have used PRO-MIX from the start. "We have been growing in PRO-MIX from the beginning with great success. We have tried other mixes over the years but have not been pleased with the results." The clearest difference shows up when they bring in outside plants. "Most of the returns we see are because our supplier uses another growing medium. We know that by using PRO-MIX we will have healthy plants and happy customers. We notice that we have healthier plants with PRO-MIX. We do not use anything else." Essential was also the support the Hooks got from PRO-MIX. "Wonderful experiences with knowledgeable staff."
© Hook Greenhouse
Constantly improving
With an ever-evolving market, Liz and Charlie are eyeing refinement rather than expansion. "We would like to make it easier to grow and maintain our current operations without sacrificing any results. Whether growing or shopping, our goals are to refine our current methods for the next generation."
For new growers, her advice stays aligned with how their own business developed. "Start small. Do not take on too much too soon. Make sure you know your area and make sure you know your target audience. Investing in a solid foundation takes time, but the only time you have to build it is the present."
After more than twenty years, the greenhouse has grown piece by piece. "What started as a small business in a small building has grown to over 50,000 square feet under plastic. We have become a name people trust. That is important to us."
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