Statement as issued Tuesday:
As of Tuesday, September 18, 2012, Neuhouser's announces the unfortunate closing of all its business operations: Neuhouser Nursery, Neuhouser Garden & Gifts, & Neuhouser Landscaping.
Neuhouser's is very proud to have celebrated 35 successful and very rewarding years in business.
In addition to the poor economy (resulting in lagging sales), this year's extreme heat & drought brought sales to a near halt this summer. The Company could no longer sustain these and other challenges. The attempts to find lending institutions willing to help once the recession hit also became impossible – once the Company's Bank (whom it had done business with for over 30 years) dropped its annual line-of-credit overnight, and eliminated its local small business lending department.
"Regardless of attempting to meet such challenges," Kenton Neuhouser, owner, says "I am so very happy & grateful to have been a part of the Ft. Wayne horticulture & business community for so long."
"Having been voted the favorite 2 Garden Centers again in 2012, and the 2nd Best Landscaping Company, my staff and I are ever appreciative for our loyal customers - the best we could ask for! Many of whom we know by name, and will miss very much."
All remaining contracted work will still be completed, as promised.
Neuhouser continued, "Please know that the closing of Neuhouser's was not a planned incident – and we worked very hard to avoid this ultimate outcome. I truly regret any inconvenience this may cause any of our customers."
"In addition, I am forever indebted to the best staff ever in all 35 years who have truly given their heart & soul by working overtime against the elements with optimism, hard work, & dedication right up to the end. They did not shy away from the tough challenges."
"They – as I – hope that we will be remembered fondly, as we tried for so many years to bring beauty & the harmony of nature to your home."
Neuhouser Landscaping began in 1977 by Joseph Neuhouser - and evolved to include a small Retail Nursery on Stellhorn Rd. (managed by his brother, Kenton Neuhouser). Kenton purchased the Company & expanded the Garden Center 25 years ago. The Business grew again when it opened the Garden & Gift store on Jefferson Blvd. in 1994.
You may still contact Neuhouser's with questions or comments – by email only – at info@neuhouser.com.
You may also post your comments on our Facebook page.
The brave, loyal, & hard-working 2012 Staff:
Krista Baxter, Manager
Tony Crawford, Landscape Designer & Foreman
Marissa Jones, Manager & Social Media Director
Ryan Barton, Manager & Visual Designer
Kathy Jenkins, Manager
Lee Reynolds, Asst. Manager
Michael Cooper, Asst. Foreman
Ray Pelsinski, Landscaper
Molly Hahn
Damien Wiseman, Visual Designer
Kate Krouse
Zack Sanderson
Nick Drewery
Tony Hartman
Angela Mishler
Holland Andrew
Jase Carrick
Rachel Herman
Lisa Underwood
Alex Sanderson
***
Neuhouser's asks that everyone remember to please shop local.
Your dollars spent locally allows for:
-More people to be employed locally
-More money to stays in our community
-More donations to reach our local charities, art organizations, schools, churches, & more.
