Johnson Nursery Corporation
From Growing Pains to Growing Gains
Introduction
Johnson Nursery, a leading name in the North Carolina nursery industry, faced growing pains that stemmed from legacy software systems that no longer met their needs.
Under the leadership of COO Chason Johnson, the nursery sought out a modern, scalable, and efficient solution.
Their search led them to ET Grow, and through a collaborative journey of discovery and innovation, Johnson Nursery found a platform that empowered their team to strive towards operational excellence—despite some bumps along the way.
Solution Discovery Process
Like many growing businesses, Johnson Nursery was facing the frustration of outgrowing their legacy software. “It worked fine for what it was, but it just didn’t have the capabilities we needed to scale,” Chason admitted. “We needed something cloud-based, flexible, and forward-thinking—something that could handle integrations with tools like QuickBooks without missing a beat.” ET Grow stood out as a potential solution, offering zero upfront costs, subscription flexibility, and built-in integrations that promised a better future for their workflows. After one meeting, Chason and his team knew they were onto something different as the platform was the most advanced they’ve seen with an intuitive and straightforward design.
The ET Grow team ensured that key stakeholders across all departments were included in the discovery process. This inclusive approach not only addressed unique workflow needs but also secured buy-in from staff at every level. “It was a very collaborative and interactive process, which helped us achieve the buy-in we were looking for,” Chason noted. “ET Grow understood our requirements and tailored the platform overview to meet our specific needs.”
Still, there were initial concerns about whether the platform could truly handle the nuances of their operation. “At first, we weren’t sure if the system could be customized to fit every aspect of our workflow,” Chason said. “But ET Grow’s team listened carefully and worked closely with us to prove otherwise.”
Paid Pilot Partnership
After the discovery phase, Johnson Nursery opted for ET Grow’s Paid Pilot Partnership (P3), which provided an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to test the platform with their own data. Chason likened the process to test-driving a car, emphasizing the value of this approach over traditional free trials. “Other companies hand you the keys and leave you to figure things out,” he said. “With ET Grow, it was like they were in the car with us, teaching us every step of the way.”
During the pilot, there were moments of frustration. “No platform is perfect out of the box, and we encountered a few things that didn’t work the way we expected,” Chason recalled. “But the P3 allowed us to iron those out early, which saved us a lot of trouble later.”
By replicating real-world workflows during the P3, the nursery minimized gaps during the official launch. “Every company is unique, and using our data helped us address potential challenges before going live. This significantly reduced anxiety and set us up for success.”
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Implementation and Integration
Transitioning to ET Grow’s platform was smooth, with the nursery team fully prepared to embrace new terminology and processes. While there were some initial adjustments, the intuitive design and clean dashboards made the learning curve manageable. “It’s a 10 out of 10 for usability,” Chason stated. “The platform is very user-friendly, and our staff picked it up quickly.” However, not everything was perfect from day one. “We ran into a few hiccups during implementation, but what stood out was ET Grow’s responsiveness,” Chason said. “They didn’t just fix issues—they explained the solutions and made sure we were comfortable moving forward. That level of care makes a big difference.”
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Scalability and Flexibility
As Johnson Nursery continues to expand, scalability and adaptability remain critical priorities. ET Grow’s cloud-based platform, along with its seamless integration with tools like QuickBooks, has been indispensable. “ET Grow has truly gone above and beyond,” Chason remarked. “Their visit here from Canada to help set our development priorities was a game-changer for us.” He added, “Their commitment to flexibility and innovation has been essential in supporting our growth and positioning us for the future.” Still, Chason acknowledged that scalability required ongoing collaboration. “In the beginning, we weren’t sure if ET Grow could keep pace with our growth,” he admitted. “But they’ve continued to deliver enhancements that prove they’re invested in our success.”
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Fast Track Sprints and Feature Enhancements
ET Grow’s iterative development process, including Fast Track Sprints, allowed Johnson Nursery to prioritize essential features and address challenges effectively. “Deadlines weren’t always met early on, but when a Sprint is complete, it’s done exceptionally well,” Chason explained. Recent updates, like the SHIP module upgrade and inventory history reports, have delivered significant value, saving time and resources. Chason reflected on this process with appreciation but also honesty. “There were times when I felt like we were waiting longer than we wanted for certain features,” he said. “But when they came through, the quality exceeded our expectations. That’s what really matters.”
Cost and Value
Johnson Nursery found the investment in ET Grow’s platform to be more than justified. With a monthly subscription model, the ROI was clear from the start. “We anticipated savings but were pleasantly surprised by additional efficiencies we hadn’t expected,” Chason said.
He also recognized the financial commitment required. “Switching platforms isn’t cheap, and we had our concerns,” he admitted. “But the value ET Grow brought to the table made it worth every penny.”
Exceptional Support: A Key to Success
One of the standout aspects of Johnson Nursery’s experience with ET Grow has been the exceptional support they’ve received. Chason didn’t hold back in praising the Support Team. “I’m very happy with the Support Team. Honestly, they’re amazing!” he said. “They’re very quick to respond, and their timeframes are always honest and realistic.” Among the team, Matt’s contributions stood out. “Matt’s answers are spectacular—he’s one of the reasons I feel so confident in ET Grow.”
For Chason, what truly sets ET Grow apart is their approach to problem-solving. “Things will go wrong and sometimes break—that’s inevitable with any software,” he shared. “But what ET Grow does better than anyone else I’ve dealt with is they permanently fix things. That gives me a lot of confidence.”
This level of reliability and attention to detail extends to ET Grow’s updates. “When you folks do updates, they’re tested, vetted, and they work,” Chason noted. “It’s one of the biggest reasons I recommend ET Grow to others. You solve problems, and they stay solved.”
ET Grow’s unwavering commitment to providing timely and effective support has been a cornerstone of Johnson Nursery’s success, giving Chason and his team peace of mind as they continue to grow and innovate.
Conclusion
Reflecting on their journey with ET Grow, Chason expressed high satisfaction. “It’s a 10 out of 10 for overall experience. ET Grow has improved our processes, given us hope for the future, and provided a platform that’s right for us,” he shared. His advice to other nurseries? “Do the P3 and give it a serious effort. Pick your onboarding team wisely, and trust ET Grow to be there every step of the way.”
Johnson Nursery’s story is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to success. By partnering with ET Grow, they’ve positioned themselves for a bright and scalable future in the nursery industry.
“ET Grow’s commitment to flexibility and innovation has been essential in supporting our growth and positioning us for the future.”
Chason Johnson, COO