We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abby Stanley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abby below.
Abby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?
The best boss that I have ever had was actually my mom. She wasn’t your typical boss in many ways. Being my mother, she obviously took on a different role, however her influence on me as a leader has been the most profound of any that I have known. This is more to do with her character as a person, but I also saw a different side of her than I did at home. I saw the way she interacted with her employees, solved problems, diffused difficult situations, made business decisions and marketed our brand. This made me look up to her more than I already did, which is saying a lot. Above all, my mother led with compassion, understanding, and grace. She let her values dictate everything she did. I would sometimes disagree with decisions she would make, but now being in that position, I understand why she made those choices. Sometimes you have to be the bigger person, sometimes the issues are smaller than they seem, and you have to know when to let things go. Her generosity and kindness to employees and customers alike was profound and is what cultivated the positive and healing environment that Stanley’s is. I learned that is the most important thing. Treating those around you with love and showing small acts of kindness creates a better world which is really all it is about at the end of the day. The bottom line is important for a business, but humanity and community are far more important. Lastly, her passion for Stanley’s was infectious. I don’t know that anyone loved this place like she did, and it showed. She felt eternally blessed to come here every day and that radiant happiness lifted others up around her and made me even more proud of my family’s legacy and the beautiful place I get to call home.
Abby, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Stanley’s is a family operated farm and garden center. We grow over 70% of our plants on the property that we have been farming on for hundreds of years. We have all that you need to create the indoor or outdoor oasis of your dreams. Stanley’s carries the best selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and houseplants in Knoxville. We pride ourselves in growing the best quality plants for continued success and have won the Best Garden Center in Knoxville award for many years. Our business is growing, but it is also people! We strive to provide the best possible service to our customers and make sure they have all the knowledge they need to grow! Stanley’s has seasonal free, educational seminars on Saturdays throughout the year on a variety of subjects as well as fun family events as well. We believe community and our environment are treasures, so we do our best to spread the love of nature and support our community through that whenever possible.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing is difficult, but I would say the best advice I have is just to treat people with respect and kindness. Sometimes situations call for uncomfortable discussions, which is never easy, but a necessary part of being a leader. I find that during those conversations it is best to get your point across with humanity. In other words, level with the person.. let them know your side of the story. When interacting with my employees I try to always treat them with respect. I truly care about them as people and make sure to check in with them on a personal level as well. I also think that positive reinforcement is essential. Everyone wants and needs to hear when they are doing a good job. I am blessed with the most amazing employees and reiterate that to them whenever possible. As a manager, your attitude is crucial. I saw that in my mom. When you are uplifting and positive, it makes those around you feel that way too. When you are proud of the place you work, it shows, and usually makes your employees proud of it too.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Our business story started hundreds of years ago. This land was deeded to my ancestors, The Davenports, but Willie Blount before Tennessee was even a state. The family grew wheat and drove cattle up to the Smokies in the summers to graze. Throughout the years, that evolved into growing vegetables to sell at the Market Square Market House. My grandfather was the first generation to start growing flowers instead, after he saw the vegetable market was getting saturated. We grew cut flowers in the fields to sell to the Knoxville area florists. Eventually, we built covered houses and kept expanding with the help of my father, Roger Stanley and his brother, Monte. So, long story short, we have been a working farm for many years which I find so incredible. The hard work that so many have put into this farm is evident and we have been extremely fortunate to do well enough through it to keep growing after all these years. There have been highs and lows naturally. I remember the recession and Henley Street Bridge closing were very stressful on my parents, but we got through it. They always taught me to work hard and be humble, at the end of the day that is all you can do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stanleysgreenhouse.com
- Instagram: stanleysgreenhouse
- Facebook: Stanley’s Greenhouse
