Profiles: Jim Feeney

Jim Feeney, owner of Feeney’s in Feasterville, Pa., is the new president-elect of Garden Centers of America. Right now he’s busy making plans for this year’s GCA Holiday Tour, which will stop at his store and nearby retail venues. He also continues to develop deals with major growers to provide GCA members with exclusive plant introductions.

Q. What aspect of your business are you most proud of?

A. First would be our ability to hire and retain good employees. We have many people who’ve worked here from 10 to 35 years. Second is the good reputation we have with our customers and the community.

Q. Is there a product category whose success surprised you?

A. One thing we were originally disappointed with was green [sustainable] products. Ten years ago we thought they were going to be really great, but they didn’t sell. I think they’re hitting their stride now. The time is here and customers are ready for these products.

Q. What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

A. “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. It just seemed to strike a chord with me. It shows what’s important in life are your relationships.

Q. Do you have a favorite bit of advice you often offer to fellow retailers?

A. I think it’s important for garden center people to get out and see what’s going on at other garden centers and with other retailers. When you go on tours people are only too willing to tell you what you want to know about their business.

Q. Is there a plant you plain dislike?

A. The answer is going to be very surprising to you: roses. They are not low maintenance. Although two years ago I planted a row of Knock Out roses and they require no care whatsoever.

Q. Who is the smartest person you know?

A. The smartest person I know is my dad. He’s not here anymore, but he was such an inspiration to me. He had such foresight, it’s incredible.

Q. What traits are you looking for in a retail salesperson?

A. I’m looking for someone I’d want to be best friends with. Someone who is outgoing, genuine -- just someone you want to be around.

Q. If you were in charge of the world for a day, what’s the first change you’d make?

A. There is so much greed and injustice in the world, I would do what I could to get rid of some of it.

Q. What keeps you up at night?

A. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I’ll write notes about things until bedtime, but once I’m off to bed, I’m asleep.

Q. Do you ever dream of retirement?

A. That word is a nightmare to me. That’s not even in my vocabulary. I’ve done this all my life. I enjoy it, and that’s just the way it is.

Q. Who has taught you the most about the garden center business?

A. My employees. They teach me more than anyone. I’d also say [consultant] Ian Baldwin and [landscape architect] Ernest Wertheim.

Q. Describe your favorite kind of customer.

A. The person who is in our store on a regular basis. Not necessarily the big spender. But a person we get to know who loves our store.

Q. When you manage to get time off, what keeps you busy?

A. My wife. We’ve got a place at the beach that’s our getaway. We like to spend time there with the kids and grandkids.

Q. Do you ever shop the big-box stores?

A. I hate the big boxes. They drove four of our local hardware stores out of business. Now we’re forced to go to the big boxes because there are no alternatives. But I also go there regularly to check out their products and prices.

Q. What are your top merchandising pet peeves?

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A. Clutter, lack of signage and not being able to find a price on something.

For more: Feeney’s, (215) 322-4300; www.feeneys.com.

June 2008