by Blair Butters | Jun 9, 2025 | Client Features, company culture
As Wisconsin has warmed into spring, and soon to become summer, tens of thousands of customers flock to a beloved local gem: Kopke’s Greenhouse. This family-run business has blossomed into one of the area’s largest and most community-focused garden centers. At the heart of it all is a deep commitment to people, plants and long-term vision. DMA Tax & Accounting is proud to work with Kopke’s Greenhouse, and we’re thrilled to share more about this small local business with you. DMA Tax & Accounting recently sat down with Josh Smith, Vice President of Kopke’s and second-generation leader, to talk about the story behind their blooming business, as well as the importance of having the right partners and support to sustain growth. From Farm Roots to Floral Fame Founded in 1981 by Gordy Kopke, the business began as a truck vegetable farm. With just a couple of greenhouses and a pickup truck, Gordy was growing, harvesting, and selling everything from squash and zucchini to peppers and cucumbers at farmers markets and to wholesale outlets across southern Wisconsin. “He started as a poor farm kid,” Josh shared. “My mom was one of his first employees, and even we kids were out there picking veggies rain or shine.” A pivotal moment came when Gordy’s mother suggested planting a few flowers to try something new. “They sold faster than anything,” Josh said. “Eventually, we phased out vegetables and went all in on flowers. By the late ’90s, we were a full-on greenhouse operation.” Today, Kopke’s Greenhouse grows over one million plants each season, including 11,000 to 15,000 hanging baskets...
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