As far as roots go, Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden has some of the deepest and most robust. Since 1885 the Bachman family has nurtured this heritage through connections made with their loyal customers, support of the community, and beautifying every space, and life, they touch.

For the next installment of our Meet the Member Interview series, we hear from Karen Bachman Thull, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden. She shares insights into Bachman’s trusted standing in the community, what drives their hard work and sustains their success, and the broad audience that graces their doorway. We also learn a little about Karen and uncover some of her favorite leisure destinations. Given her Minnesota upbringing, she enjoys some of the same favorite ‘cult classics’ other fellow Minnesotans do, but you’ll definitely want to know where she finds the perfect burger as well as the unique (and delicious!) place she’d take out of town guests.  

The real beauty of this family-owned business lies in every warm welcome and sweet-scented bouquet. While Bachman’s is firmly planted in the community and will continue to flourish here, what’s most important to them is in what their roots support. And what’s more beautiful than that?  

Tell us the story of how you started your business – include your mission statement, when you started your business, and the inspiration behind it.

Bachman’s was founded in 1885 by Henry Bachman, Sr., who planted vegetables on a small plot of land in south Minneapolis. Transforming from a vegetable garden to a thriving floral business, Bachman’s mission has always been to beautify living spaces and enhance lives with the beauty of flowers, plants, and garden supplies. Inspiration came from the rich horticultural environment and the desire to share the beauty of nature with the community.

What services or products do you offer?

Bachman’s offers a wide range of products and services, including floral arrangements, garden supplies, home décor, landscaping services, and workshops. We cater to both individual and corporate clients.

What sets your business apart from your competition?

What sets Bachman’s apart is its commitment to quality, community involvement, and environmental stewardship. We offer locally grown plants and flowers, personalized services, and have a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Our long history and deep roots in the community also are a point of differentiation.

Does your business give back to the community? If so, what nonprofits are you involved in?

Bachman’s actively gives back to the community by supporting local nonprofits and participating in community events. We’ve been involved in various initiatives and partnerships aimed at community beautification, education, and supporting local charities.

Who is your ideal client?

Our ideal client for Bachman’s includes garden enthusiasts, homeowners looking to beautify their spaces, event planners, and businesses seeking corporate gifts or decor. We cater to a broad audience with a shared appreciation for plants, flowers, and quality home and garden products.

What is your favorite part of being a business owner?

The ability to connect with the community through the beauty of nature, seeing the joy and satisfaction on customers’ faces, and the fulfillment of enhancing environments through flowers, plants, and landscaping. Also being part of people’s monumental life events is a true honor. Whether it is a holiday, new house, new baby, wedding, Valentine’s or an ordinary day, we love to be part of making those memories beautiful.

Why did you choose to have your business in Minneapolis/St.Paul?

Henry Bachman Sr. put down roots in 1885 in Richfield, Minnesota where rich farmland was available. From there, as they say, the rest is history.

Besides your own hard work, who would you thank for the success of your business?

The success of Bachman’s can be attributed to the loyal customer base, dedicated employees, and the supportive local community. The Bachman family would likely also acknowledge the generations of family members who have contributed to the business.

Shifting gears now! You have the weekend ahead of you and you’re entertaining guests from out of town, where are you taking them and why?

Lunds & Byerlys! We’re so lucky to have such beautiful grocery stores in Minnesota!

Favorite hotel? What do you love about it?

Grand View Lodge – the history, character and charm make it a must stay!

Where’s your favorite place to dine out for brunch or lunch?

CōV Edina in the Galleria.

Where do you like to spend your Happy Hour?

David Fongs (Sadly closed now)

Which restaurants are perfect for date night and why?

Parlour for their perfect burgers and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for hearty meat!

Name 2 or 3 of your favorite places to shop in Minneapolis and why you love them so much.

Galleria and the Mall of America – beautiful and vibrant shopping experiences.

What is your favorite outdoor activity in Minneapolis in the summer? What about in the winter?

Boating in the summer, skiing in the winter.

What is your favorite MUST do annual event in Minneapolis?

Art in Bloom at Mia and the Minnesota State Fair.

When you’re not working, when you have the day all to yourself, what would you be doing?

Attending a Twins Game!

What is the best part of living in Minneapolis/St. Paul?

It’s such a vibrant area, with a friendly community, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Business Name: Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden

Address: 6010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419 plus five other retail locations throughout the Twin Cities. Bachman’s also has Floral and Green and Blooming Plant stores within Lunds and Byerlys and a 600 acre farm in Lakeville, MN

Contact: Karen Bachman Thull

Website: https://www.bachmans.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BachmansMN

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbachmans/