Garden Elements And Classes Too
For those seeking a garden makeover, Geobunga can create an outdoor oasis by turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Providing unique garden elements from around the world, Geobunga specializes in stone pavers and benches, decorative rocks, ceramic pots, fountains and bamboo accents, including a variety of plants.
Planting the seeds for success, owner and executive director Andy Dedrick started his business in 2009 with the goal of spreading the love of gardening throughout the community, from keiki to kupuna.
“We started as a focused landscape-products company and quickly began adding other landscape elements such as pottery, plants, statues, fountains, lava pavers and water gardens,” explains Dedrick, who is currently working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in tropical agriculture and nursery management at UH-Manoa.
With two locations – Honolulu and Waimanalo – Geobunga also recently launched Geo To Go, a new on-site consultation and design service. According to Dedrick, Geo To Go gives local residents and businesses the ability to effortlessly and affordably transform or enhance any unsightly outdoor space into an urban oasis. Keola Kalama, Geobunga’s lead visual merchandiser and creative consultant, will visit the business or residence for a consultation, create a design and completely transform the space in a matter of hours.
“Geo To Go is in part a result of our popular free workshop series, as we’ve had a handful of attendees approach us after each workshop to ask for advice on their specific gardening or design issues,” Dedrick says. “Many would invite us out to their homes seeking design advice. Some didn’t have the time or physical capability to do the labor themselves, so Geo To Go was born. It was a natural next step for our business, and we’re excited to offer a more personal service for our clients.”
With 12 people on staff, Geobunga assists clients in taking ideas and bringing them to life.
“It’s great to see your hard work pay off with results, such as a profitable business, happy customers and satisfied employees,” Dedrick adds. “Of course, wherever there is reward and opportunity, there are challenges, including meeting customers’ needs and the needs of the company and employees, managing cash flow, and keeping up with laws and regulations.”
In the meantime, Dedrick is looking to expand the Waimanalo location and secure a larger property for plant production.
“We also are looking at increasing our community-service components and vertically integrating our hardscape products with a large nursery operation. The plants take all other products to another level, and the vertical integration of these products is such a natural next step,” he says.
Despite his business success, Dedrick keeps his feet planted firmly on the ground.
“The business is a very important component in my life. However, commitment to family and community always remains in the fore-front,” he states. “People should do something they’re passionate about, but make sure all the other responsibilities that come with running a business don’t kill that passion.”
Geobunga is located at 4299 Lawehana St. in Salt Lake and 41-829 Kakaina St. in Waimanalo. For more information, call 422-4567 or 783-2571, or visit Geobunga.com.
