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EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Montevallo in Alabama. Graduate studies at Auburn University.
FAMILY: Married 27 years to Newton Guerin, who is the American Liver Foundation's chief operating officer. Two sons: Hammond, an IT consultant in Washington, and Hunter, a senior at Clemson University.
CAREER HISTORY: After teaching for a year and attending one year of graduate school, I began working with the American Cancer Society. I loved working in the nonprofit sector, making a difference in people's lives. After six years with the ACS, I was named director of the Cancer Information Service at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From there, I joined the staff of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. My most recent position was vice president for field relations for the eastern half of the United States.
FIRST JOB: Elementary school teacher.
WORST JOB: Working in a Yellow Stamp redemption store when I was about 18 years old.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Montgomery, Ala.
HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING EVERYTHING GARDENING? For years, I have thought about owning my own business. For the last six years, I have been making day trips to nurseries and garden gift shops in our region. In addition to a passion for gardening, I also get very energized when I identify a need and then create a way to meet that need. I felt that there was a need for a shop like mine in Fredericksburg, so I decided to create Everything Gardening.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS? Good financial management is first and foremost. However, I believe that a commitment to meeting the needs of the customer is a close second. As a shop owner, you must listen to the customer's voice and respond to the best of your ability. If you do that, you will build loyal relationships with your customers who will consistently support your business.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? I love having the opportunity to meet and interact with wonderfully interesting people. I also love helping them find just the right item to enhance their garden or home or to give as a gift to someone they care about.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I would have a bigger space to carry more products.
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? There are many people in the Fredericksburg area who appreciate the unique products that
WHAT'S THE WORST? For the past six years I had an office on Caroline Street and did most of my shopping here. I used to wonder why more people didn't shop downtown, and now I think I understand some of the reasons. I think the main reason is marketing and brand. We need to do more to get the word out about the unique shops in down-town Fredericksburg. I carry product lines that you find in Georgetown, Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg and other places, and my prices are more competitive. Downtown Fredericksburg is a treasure, and with vision, energy and passion we can reach its potential.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? The opportunity to be creative and innovative. I also love to bring others together to collaborate on a common goal.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? I am as passionate about cooking as gardening. I love to read cookbooks. I used to play golf before I opened my shop. I have started to knit and do needlepoint again after many years of raising two sons, working, and volunteering at the boys' schools and church. I also have fun with my little Yorkie, Chloe.
WHAT'S THE BEST BUSINESS LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? Listen to your customers.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? Grow, Everything Gardening, grow!
ON THE NET: everythinggardeningonline.com
--Bill Freehling
