The beginning of something bigger.

It was an average pandemic day when a friend of mine and I were working on a bathroom remodel project in my basement. It was during our determination to complete the initial project we had begun when my buddy turned to me and said, “My wife wants us to build her a planter box for the yard.” While I’vealways been a fan of gardening and growing fresh organic foods, I’ve yet to grow anything in a planter box. But, the project itself definitely got the wheels turning in my head. After realizing both of our experiences in general contract work, we agreed to set out and make one. Six hours later, wetwo friends in the garage had completed our first-ever planter box. She was beautiful!

We stared at our impressive work for a solid hour, and after having a few beers, my buddy and I devised what was soon to bePlanter Box Pro. But, we decided it wouldn’t just be a planter box. No, it would be more than that—more significant than that! Although it starts with only a box, what can develop from that simple box would be much more meaningful and involved.

We resolved to center our mission around three basic ideas:sustainability, passion, and community. Our primary goal for Planter Box Pro is to create a business that will promote a sustainable lifestyle—an approach to help reduce food waste and help people create comfortable homes for their plants. We want to bring families together in their gardens, where they can build relationships while bettering the planet.

To establish a thriving business, we would need a network of supporters and passionate gardeners. Our structure was simple: afew hours a week of work and a self-sustainable business modelran by its supporters. Our management team would consist of a very diverse group of volunteers and/or retired individuals. Our staff would consist of people with a passion to work with their hands, their imaginations, and their love of bringing ideas to life. That said, we elected to connect with the community. We created entry-level positions for high school and college students, offering a flexible work schedule and supplying the youth with a sense of both craftsmanship and discipline. We searched high and low for quality people who would acknowledge the value of gardening. And that value is precisely what Planter Box Pro is made of.

Planter Box Pro is not just a box. It’s everything you can think of that’s outside of the box.