| Many of you have been Johannsen’s
customers for decades, but those of you who are new to the greenhouse may not realize that
Johannsen’s has been in business in the same location for decades. Founded in 1960
by Chuck Johannsen, the greenhouse was the first business in what is today a bustling part
of the West Beltline. In 1960, the Beltline was an undivided, four-lane road. Just ten
years later, however, the city built the overpass that stands near the greenhouse today,
and the business lost its front parking lot. The old farmhouse behind our greenhouses is
the only trace of the pastoral life that once existed so close to Madison’s
downtown. |
...the business depends on a "family" of employees... |
Chuck Johannsen passed away in 1993 at
the age of 84, but the business is still very much family owned and
operated. Gary, Lyn, and Karen—the Johannsen "children"—run the
greenhouse, along with their mother Joy. In addition to the immediate
family, the business depends on a "family" of employees. Twelve
full-time people help run the garden center, including Walt and Kati,
who have been with Johannsen's for over 35 years. Many seasonal employees, a
number of whom return year after year, join the staff during our spring "rush"
and at Christmas. |
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