Tidewater Farm and Garden Supply

Published 7:59 am Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Name of person featured: Brandon Christopher Watson, store manager

Name of Business: Tidewater Farm and Garden Supply

Street address: 21 East Windsor Blvd., Windsor

Phone number: (757) 242-4205

Operating hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nature of business: Farm, garden and feed supply

Principle owners: Dean and Jackie Blythe

Year founded: 1976

Prior locations: We’ve always been here.

Number of employees: Five

How’s business? We are very fortunate that business has stayed steady.

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: This store has been a Purina dealer since the early 1940s; the Blythes continued to carry Purina when they purchased the business in the ’70s.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: We give personal attention to our customers. We know our products, and we wouldn’t sell you something we wouldn’t buy ourselves.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Be sure you know and believe in your products.

Your first job: I’ve always worked here. I began working as a general clerk 7½ years ago.

Your role model (in business or in life generally): My mother. I admire her because of the way she raised me and made me the person I am today.

The key to a successful business is: Good employees, exceptional products and friendliness. That’s why we have such loyal customers and we have grown to care for them all.