A Cincinnati-area greenhouse is transitioning to a new form of ownership to keep the business growing. Our Harvest Cooperative recently purchased Northgate Greenhouses and started making the switch to a worker-owned model.
The change began last spring, when longtime owner Kathie Hogeback decided to sell her business. After running it with her husband Bob for two decades, the 64-year-old says she was tired. But, she didn't want to close up shop, especially after seeing nearby greenhouses like Moeller Greenhouse & Garden and Evers' Greenhouse shut down.
"People in our community love the Northgate Greenhouses," Hogeback said. "And, they're not just our greenhouse people. They love greenhouses in general."
After the Hogebacks and their broker put Northgate Greenhouses on the market, local farm co-op, Our Harvest Cooperative, was one of the first potential buyers to express interest in the business and the property. Our Harvest wanted to continue selling plants, while also using some of the space to expand its local food production.
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