Michael Fiore

Smith's Gardentown

President

What 3 to 4 professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• Our employees tend to work for us for a long time. We have several employees who have worked for us for 15-plus years. Over 50% of our staff have been with us for five years or more. We even have multi-generational employees where people who work or worked for us now have kids and grandkids who work at Smith’s. It makes me incredibly proud that people would choose to spend large portions of their lives working at Smith’s Gardentown.
• In 2024, we transitioned our family business into its fourth generation of ownership with myself and my brother, Clint, as a minority owner. Only 3% of businesses make it to the fourth generation. There were many obstacles in our way and setbacks along the line, but we were able to successfully make the transition and, more importantly, we still love each other.
• One big change I’ve brought to the business is a focus on social media growth. When I rejoined the company 10 years ago, we had only a couple thousand followers on Facebook. We put a huge emphasis on educational content and video marketing, and now we have one of the largest social media followings among garden centers with well over 300,000 followers across different platforms. This has really helped drive traffic — even people from other states— to our store.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• This is a family business, but it’s one I left for 10 years. When I came back to the industry as an adult I had a new appreciation for it that I hadn’t seen as a kid. Connecting people with nature, solving complex problems and having a varied schedule were all very appealing to me.
• Then when I started going to trade shows and conventions, I saw how wonderful the people in the industry are and really enjoyed networking and collaborating with like-minded individuals.

What’s the best thing about your job? (Please select one)

• Problem-solving

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I grow plants and help people find the perfect plants for their homes.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Disc golf
• Travel 
• Anything outdoors

When you’re not working, what are 2 to 3 things we could find you doing?

• Disc golf
• Playing with my kids
• Hunting

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out?

• One thing about me not many know is I used to lead worship at churches, playing guitar and singing. I don’t play much anymore but hope to get back to it one day.

One thing you can’t live without?

• Coffee

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• I’m good at public speaking thanks to lots of practice.

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Peacock bass fishing excursion 
• Taking the family on an epic vacation
• Building a lasting legacy for future generations

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• Right now, it’s catmint. It’s one plant that constantly impresses people when they plant it at home and hardly ever dies.

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• Japan has incredible gardens, ponds and historical sites for me, and world-class theme parks and other activities for the kids.