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 and more than 1,000 varieties of annuals, perennials, and vegetables. What started as a roadside stand has evolved into a destination garden center renowned across the region for its exceptional variety and exceptional customer care.
The May Madness: A Season Like No Other
If you think spring is busy, spend a day at Kopke’s in May.
“We do about 80 percent of our business in that one month,” Josh explained. “On Mother’s Day weekend alone, we saw up to 1,200 customers per day.”
With 33 greenhouses covering 3.5 acres, the team works around the clock during peak season.
“Some of our guys are watering at 4:30 a.m. We’re talking 14-hour days, seven days a week, for a month and a half. But then we get our off-season back, and it balances out.”
A Business Built on Heart and Horticulture
What sets Kopke’s apart isn’t just the flowers. It’s the people and the purpose behind them.
“This place is more than a job,” Josh said. “We’re building something that lasts. Gordy started it, but now we’re creating a multi-generational, employee-owned business.”
Some team members are now part-owners, with a say in business decisions and access to profit-sharing.
“We’re always looking for ways to grow the business in a way that lets us take care of our people. That’s the priority.” Josh added.
Giving Back to the Community That Showed Up
Kopke’s is more than a greenhouse. It’s a place of connection and care. After a fire destroyed a shed several years ago, the community came out in full force with offers of tools, materials, and time.
To pay it forward, Kopke hosts an annual Badger Honor Flight fundraiser, raising over $80,000 to date.
“Last year we raised $20,000 auctioning off planters and grilling brats right in the greenhouse,” Josh shared. “Every dollar goes to support veterans.”
This year, Kopke’s broke that record, raising over $28,000 for Badger Honor Flight.
The DMA Connection
Behind the scenes, DMA Tax & Accounting helps keep the business grounded and growing strong.
“We work with a whole team over there. Melanie on payroll, Connie on bookkeeping, Dale and the rest for taxes,” Josh said. “They make sure our books are tight so we can make the right financial decisions, especially as we plan a new building.”
“DMA is responsive, timely, and they know our business. If we lost that relationship, it would be a big hit. Their support lets us focus on what we do best.”
Growing More Than Just Flowers
In a world of fast fixes and short-term thinking, Kopke’s is proof that deep roots and long-term care still matter.
“We’re not in it just for the dollar,” Josh said. “We want people to bring home plants that feed their soul. That’s the kind of legacy worth growing.”
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