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Nursery Owners and Managers

Advancement Prospects

There are limited opportunities for advancement forĀ nursery owners because, by definition, they are the boss. Advancement often takes the form of expansion of an existing business, leading to increased earnings and prestige. Expanding a business also can entail added risk, as it involves increasing operational costs. A successful franchise owner may be offered an additional franchise location or an executive position at the corporate headquarters. Some owners become part-time consultants, while others teach a course at a college or university or in an adult education program. This teaching often is done not only for the financial rewards but also as a way of helping others investigate the option of retail ownership.

Advancement opportunities for nursery managers in the horticultural retail industry vary according to the size of the store, where the store is located, and the type of merchandise sold. Advancement also depends on the individual's work experience and educational background. A store manager who works for the garden center of a large retail chain, such as Home Depot, for example, may be given responsibility for the garden department in a number of stores in a given area or region or transferred to a larger store in another city. Willingness to relocate to a new city may increase an employee's promotional opportunities.

Some nursery managers decide to open their own stores after they have acquired enough experience in the industry. After working as a retail manager for a large chain of garden stores, for example, a person may decide to open a small store specializing in exotic plants or open a landscaping business.