Congrats, Michael!

Ellen C. Wells

As we await the unveiling of the Green Profit/The Garden Center Group Young Retailer Award winner at Cultivate’24, I have news about the YRA of 2023, Michael Fiore of Smith’s Gardentown in Wichita Falls, Texas. Michael will be taking over ownership and management of the operation, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Michael comes to this change of status in the family business with the retirement of his mother, Katherine Smith. He’s been the general manager of Smith’s Gardentown for the last eight years, but now the keys of the castle are in his pocket.

In a press release proud mom Katherine sent along about the change of management, Michael said, “I feel extremely proud to be a part of this family and to be a part of this business and community. It’s now a great opportunity for me to continue the legacy on well into the future. I want to see this business last for another 75 years to come.”

Spoken like a YRA winner, Michael! Congrats and may the sun shine on Smith’s Gardentown for all of its days. GP