In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams sit down with Greg Reed from Mandela Gardens in Marion, Illinois. Greg shares his life story, from growing up in Greenfield, Illinois, to his time in the Army, and eventually becoming a teacher and founder of Mandela Gardens. The conversation delves into the creation and evolution of Mandela Gardens, touching on the challenges and triumphs Greg faced in transforming his passion for gardening into a unique community space. The episode also discusses the support received from local organizations, the role of Ethos' classes, and future plans for Mandela Gardens. Listeners will gain insights into rural entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the importance of following one's passion. Special mentions include the support from various sponsors and collaborators, as well as the role of workforce development group Manon.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:49 Introducing the Special Guest: Greg Reed01:08 Greg Reed's Background and Journey03:03 Mandela Gardens: The Concept and Evolution04:43 Transition from Teaching to Gardening06:59 Building and Expanding Mandela Gardens10:46 Events and Community Engagement15:20 Support and Learning from Ethos19:40 Challenges of Staffing and Workforce Development19:59 Personal Experience with Workforce Programs21:03 The Role of Manon in Business Support24:26 Weddings and Event Hosting at Mandela Gardens25:30 Future Plans for the Rental House27:18 Marketing and Online Presence32:58 Community Involvement and Volunteer Support34:11 Engaging the Next Generation36:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.mandalagardens.org/
