Duran’s Hobby Acres
15591 North 107th Street
Longmont, CO 80504
(303) 257-0195
duransgreenhouse.com
We recently visited Andrea Walker-Duran at Duran’s Hobby Acres and were inspired by the family-centered foundation, youthful promise and positivity Andrea and her husband Adam bring to the business as the second generation. We also got to visit briefly with Robert Duran, founder and Andrea’s father, and of course, Pickles, the shop cat and the various goats, chickens and ducks on the property.
Could you share how Duran’s Hobby Acres first started?
It all began with a small greenhouse and a vision. It started when my father, retiring from IBM, purchased a greenhouse back in 1986, and today we have 26 greenhouses. We started out buying and selling products, then gradually transitioned into growing our own.
What inspired the name “Duran’s Hobby Acres”?
The name reflects our journey. Originally, it was a nod to our humble beginnings in a small hobby greenhouse. Over time, as we expanded and diversified, the name stuck to honor our roots.
How has Duran’s Hobby Acres evolved over the years?
It’s been quite a journey. What began as a small operation has grown into a comprehensive greenhouse and garden center. Starting with mostly tomatoes and easy-to-grow bedding plants back in the early days, we’ve diversified the product significantly and now offer everything from annuals and perennials to shrubs and trees, all grown or sourced with care.
My husband Adam and I knew we wanted to be involved in the business but we weren’t sure how to achieve that. Over the last couple years we’ve worked to strategically step into key management, buying and sales roles and begin to oversee the business, which is exciting.
We have also seen the business and community change greatly over the years. We are seeing more families and young people come in than ever before.
What makes Duran’s Hobby Acres unique in your community?
We’re not just a garden center; we’re a family living and working on the property. Our commitment to quality and personal service sets us apart in an era of big-box stores. Living and working here keeps us deeply connected to what we do. We have 10 employees – 10 families to feed – and we take that seriously including growing food onsite for this purpose. We’re more than just a garden center; we’re a community.
But what really makes us niche, is a focus on quality. We grow as much as we can ourselves, ensuring each plant that bears our name meets our standards of excellence.
What excites you most about the future of Duran’s Hobby Acres?
We’re excited to expand further into being a community hub. With new housing developments around us, we envision offering more classes and becoming a central educational resource for gardening enthusiasts. We also hope to expand in size, we are currently utilizing 10 acres, though we have 40 acres here, so lots of room to grow. We see the future as bright and full of possibility.
How do you keep up with trends in the industry, especially with the influence of social media and influencers?
We work closely with partners like Proven Winners and stay tuned to market trends. It’s a blend of intuition, customer feedback, and industry insights that guide our decisions.
What challenges have you faced, and how has being part of organizations like CNGA helped?
From insurance, regulatory, taxes and labor, to freight and credit card processing fees, automation — it’s a lot for a small business. We even had a major electrical fire in 2021 to bounce back from. Being part of CNGA provides us with community support, advocacy, and resources to navigate these challenges together.
If Duran’s Hobby Acres had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson comes to mind. It captures our journey—always moving forward, exploring new paths, and growing.
Looking ahead, where do you see Duran’s Hobby Acres in five to ten years?
We hope to expand our footprint in the community, offering more educational opportunities and serving as a go-to destination for all things gardening. As part of our evolution, we are committed to providing our employees with a sustaining and sustainable career that provides for them in tangible and intangible ways.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone starting their own gardening business?
Love what you do. It’s demanding but incredibly rewarding. Passion fuels perseverance in this industry.
Through Andrea’s insights, Duran’s Hobby Acres emerges not just as a place to buy plants but as a testament to passion, growth, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, their story reminds us that every garden begins with a seed of dedication.
