The premium it places on team building helps it weather the extreme seasonal nature of its business
Small businesses already face enough hurdles in the normal course of day-to-day operations, but the challenges the high desert/Sierra alpine growing environment of Nevada’s northern communities unrelentingly throw at Moana Nursery are ones few businesses have to contend with.
The extreme seasonality makes team building a top priority for Moana, according to CEO Scott Gescheider. “We have to offer attractive full- and part-time wages and benefits to allow folks who have a passion for plants, in any setting, to join the family.”
By that, or any measure, Moana Nursery is a model of success. Started in 1967, it now has three locations in Washoe County. According to its website:
- At our Moana Lane location, you will find our dedicated Landscape and Design Services Center, where our experienced team can assist you with all your landscaping and design needs. Additionally, this location features our delightful florist, providing beautiful arrangements and floral creations for any occasion.
- For contractors and landscaping professionals, our South Virginia location is a go-to destination. It boasts a rock yard and Tree Land, offering a vast selection of rocks, stones, and trees to enhance your projects.
- Our Pyramid Way store stands out with its expansive greenhouse, housing a remarkable variety of indoor plants. This location brings the same level of quality and care that Moana Nursery is known for to the Sparks area.
Moana Nursery is a family S-Corp under second-generation leadership, has up to 240 teammates seasonally, and reflects the local horticulture expertise captured in the company’s slogan, Better Plants. Better Advice. Better Results.
What began as a lawn maintenance company now includes growing, marketing, selling, and servicing residential and commercial properties with a nursery farm in Clackamas County, Oregon, the nursery capital of America, plus local greenhouses.
“What sets us apart is our exceptional team of certified high desert nursery professionals,” said Gescheider. “We take great pride in having more certified individuals than all other local stores, chain retailers, and discounters combined. Our expertise ensures that you receive the best advice and assistance when it comes to selecting and caring for your plants and landscaping materials.”
Why NFIB?
Moana Nursery joined NFIB after realizing that small business advocacy was necessary beyond the local level to make sure this important segment of the free market economy was not thwarted, according to Gescheider.
“The absence of important, committed advocacy spurred our NFIB membership,” he said. The health of our economy and the possibility of the American Dream depend on small business growth and success. Whether it is tax policy or labor availability, government regulations, or legislation, NFIB is actively on our side. Recognizing that participation beyond running your business is difficult, NFIB makes it easy to learn and contribute when you can.”
