Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1974
What is your primary product or service?
Providing tropical plants as well as decorative planters for commercial and residential accounts. Plants Alive! is also a leader in providing weekly guaranteed service for interior accounts. Plants Alive also provides plants for short term plant rental for parties, galas, bar/bat mitzvahs, sporting events, etc.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I have a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture for the University of Maryland class of 1980. I have loved working with plants since I was in high school.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Personalized service. We are a small company where almost everyone deals directly with the end user, our clients. Problems and issues are quickly dealt with and rectified because everyone here is directly involved with the end product. The buck stops with the first person that answers the phone. That seems to have been a qualified success since we have been at it for almost 40 years!
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location in Silver Spring, MD. No plans to expand.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Plants Alive! is located in the northern portion of Silver Spring, close to Olney, MD. We are located .7 miles north of the Layhill Road ICC exit.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, credit cards, checks and solid gold bullion.
Which areas do you service?
Plants Alive! serves the entire Batlimore/Washington metropolitan areas. Our Special Events division has traveled as far south as Chattanooga, TN and as far west as Cleveland, OH.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Jeff Kushner is the President and owner/operator.
What are your hours of operation?
8AM to 6PM 7 days a week. We are not a retail location so walk in is not practical. All of our business occurs off premise at commercial/residential locations.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
As a business owner, the best compliment is that our customers refer us to others. Personally, speaking as a drummer, one club patron told me that they would have played everything that I did that night which is to say that I hit all the right notes. This person is a fellow drummer so it really meant a lot.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
I don't quote the bible but I try to live by the golden rule. If that is in the bible than there you have it.