In this section of the Mustard Seed blog, we want to introduce you to the people who have a part in making the Mustard Seed a successful business. Our marketing manager sat down with Tree & Shrub Manager Tripp Spainhour to learn more about him and his goals at the Mustard Seed.
Madeline: When did you start at the Mustard Seed Market?
Tripp: I started in March 2021, so this is my third year at Mustard Seed. I have shopped here for 10+ years with my mom and grandma, and I've been shopping here personally for 5 years. There isn't a place like the Mustard Seed with the people I've gotten to know and interacted with. It's a unique place, so I'm happy to work here.
Madeline: I know the Mustard Seed is happy to have you! Have you always lived in the Blowing Rock area?
Tripp: I was born in Winston but have lived in Ashe country since. I gravitate towards the mountains, so I've been back and forth to Boone my entire life.
Madeline: What made you want to work at the garden center?
Tripp: I've always been interested in planting things, so I came to the Mustard Seed to learn more about the plants and zones they thrive in. I've had experience landscaping and planting on my own and wanted to grow in that area. I knew Robb and Danielle could help me with the plant knowledge aspect, and I could run with it from there.
Madeline: You come in contact with a bunch of different varieties, do you have a favorite tree or shrub?
Tripp: I think evergreen-wise definitely Hinoki False Cypress and deciduous some type of Japanese maple, probably the Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa'
Madeline: What does a day in the life of Tripp look like at the Mustard Seed?
Tripp: It definitely depends on the season. In Spring, I focus on getting everything back together and organized before our big shipments arrive. I restructure and get ahead of the deliveries so that over the Summer and Fall, I can focus on watering, knocking out chores, and pleasing customers. Winter is Christmas trees and holiday focus.
Madeline: You work so hard when you're on the clock- what about when you aren't at work?
Tripp: If it's winter, I'm snowboarding. I got a new set-up this year and have been hitting Beech regularly. Of course, it all depends on the weather. I like playing Xbox and other things. I'm always open to going somewhere or doing something; whenever my friends call me in the morning and have plans, I'm in.
Madeline: What are your long-term goals?
Tripp: I want to stay for a good while, and I love it here. Eventually, I hope to start my own business. My degree is in Construction Management from Wilkes Community College. My grandpa started a construction company that my uncle runs, so I could see myself doing something there. Construction and landscaping have always been in my family. When I was younger, I did landscaping on the golf course, and I've always worked in and around construction. The way I see it, civilization is continually growing, and once you build something, you have to design the exterior, so construction and landscape go hand in hand and will always be there.
Madeline: It sounds like you have experience in many areas of home improvement in both construction, landscaping and design. How would you describe your work ethic?
Tripp: I'm hard-working, adaptable, and an overcomer. I'm also efficient and provide strong customer service. Regardless of the job, I'm always willing to help. I try to find out where my niche is and create efficiency. I know there will be a gap in any work field, so I hope to find, expose, and fix it.
Stay tuned for more interviews with the Mustard Seed's management team on the blog. We hope you have enjoyed getting to know Tripp, be sure to say hello when you visit the garden center!
The Mustard Seed Market is located at 5589 US HWY 321-S in Blowing Rock, NC.