Grow Like a Rock Star: Urban Growers, A Journey of Growth and Resilience

John Urbanowicz of Urban Growers in Burton, Ohio, has carved his own path in the world of horticulture. With 25 years of experience in the field, this self-made businessman has seen it all, overcoming obstacles with a determined mindset. Like any true rock star, John has faced the ups and downs of the industry while keeping his focus, constantly striving for growth, and staying grounded with the support of his loyal crew. 

The Road to Success: From Hobbyist to Full-Time Grower 

"We've been in business for close to 25 years... My first 10 years of that journey were working for BFG Supply Company," says John. The foundation for his success was built in the horticultural world, where he learned the ins and outs of equipment, structures, and greenhouses. But the real turning point came when he ventured into his own business in 1999, starting with just a few hoop houses. 

John ran two jobs for a decade, managing the growth of his hobby while still working full-time. But when his daughter was born, he made a critical decision to go full-time, leaving behind the security of two jobs to focus entirely on Urban Growers. "I had to make a decision and be able to spend a little bit of time with both [family and work]." From there, the business expanded with the help of his family and friends, and Urban Growers began to take shape into the thriving business it is today. 

The Family Factor: The Crew Behind the Scenes 

Every successful operation needs a solid crew, and at Urban Growers, that starts with family and extends to a dedicated core team that has stood by through highs and lows. 

John credits his wife for taking charge of the production ordering side of the business, something he admits wasn’t his strength. “She handles about 99% of our plant material ordering,” he says.  

But it’s not just a family effort. “We have a great core group of employees who’ve been with us through the good and the bad,” John adds. “They’re a huge part of what we do, and we really value their input as we work to get better every year.” 

Growing Pains: Navigating Expansion and Challenges 

Running a business is a lot like going on tour - it requires careful planning, perfect timing, and adaptability. Over the years, Urban Growers has expanded its reach. “We’ve grown to 150,000 square feet of coverage space, but our most recent expansion, particularly in the shipping and production areas, really took us to the next level,” John explains. 

Like any successful rock star, Urban Growers has faced its share of challenges along the way, including labor shortages. For years, the Amish community has been their primary source of employees, but the post-COVID job market has made staffing more difficult. “We’ve had great success with the local Amish community... we’ve hired eight new employees here locally,” John shares. However, as the labor market and wage expectations continue to shift, finding the right team has become a more delicate balancing act. 

The Challenges Ahead: Supply Chains and the Future 

The challenges don’t stop there. John is concerned about the rising costs due to tariffs on materials like steel, which have begun to affect growers nationwide. "If things don’t change, there’s no way we could take on another 25% increase in steel," he explains. These additional costs are something all growers will bear, and John is hoping for a shift that will help mitigate this pressure. 

But even with these challenges, John remains optimistic about keeping his show on the road. “We’re always looking for new growth... we're always excited to do more,” he says, reflecting his drive to keep pushing forward. 

Backstage Relationships: A Key Ingredient in Success 

Beyond product quality, one of the things that sets Urban Growers apart is the relationships they build with their suppliers. "I've always tried to surround myself with number one suppliers... Not always basing the decisions on money and cost, but based on experience and being helpful," says John. This sentiment rings true for his collaboration with PRO-MIX®. Having worked with them for over 20 years, John values the partnership, not just for the product but for the support he’s received over the years. "If there has been an issue, it has always been supported," he adds, acknowledging the importance of customer service in a world that often focuses purely on price. 

The Rock Star Moment: A Career-Defining Achievement 

When asked about his career-defining moment, John’s answer is simple yet powerful. “I think defining would be to me that we made it.” Building a business from the ground up is never easy, but John is proud of the fact that Urban Growers is known locally for its quality. "It defines me to hear people say they want to buy from Urban Growers, they want to talk to John and see what he has... It all goes back to the team and the people and my family that have helped me get there." 

The Future: A Legacy 

As for what lies ahead, John remains focused on growth. He’s driven to push Urban Growers to new heights, always looking for ways to improve and expand. “I always want more... I always want to be successful," he admits. With his crew behind him, there’s no doubt that Urban Growers will continue to rock the horticultural world. 

For John, it’s not just about growing plants, it’s about growing relationships, businesses, and a legacy that will last for generations. And like any true rock star, he’s ready for the next challenge, always pushing forward, with no plans of slowing down. 

To learn more about Urban Growers, visit www.urban-growers.com.