Every month we’re going to be featuring a new Homeroom client, so that you can get to know some of our newest members.
This month’s New Client is Green Earth Organics. Green Earth Organics brings organic food right to your doorstep, making healthy eating convenient. The team at Green Earth brings in the best certified organic fruits and vegetables available, focusing on seasonal and local items. They post the new produce every Thursday at 6 p.m. on their website.
Green Earth’s president, Daniel Henry, talked to Homeroom about the origins of his business, finding that elusive work/life balance, and more.
When did you open your business?
I started Green Earth Organics out of my home in June 1998. With $200 and a credit card, I knocked on my neighbours’ doors to see if there was any interest in an organic grocery delivery service. The following week I had seven deliveries, the next week 19. Now, here I am 17 years later, delivering to hundreds of homes throughout the Lower Mainland.
What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
I enjoy the challenge that being a business owner brings. I also enjoy being able to watch ideas I have for my business come to life.
What motivated you to start your own business?
Before starting GEO, I worked for an environmental group. I have always had an entrepreneurial side to my personality so I wanted to start a business that fed these two aspects of who I am.
How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I heard of a company in England doing something like this. I did a little homework and thought this is something I could get behind and a business that, at the end of the day, I’d be proud of. I’d like to see several Green Earth Organic locations throughout B.C. and possibly across Canada.
Why is promoting healthy eating important to you?
Eating healthy is one of the more important choices we can make in our life to live a long, healthy, and hopefully happy life. There are a lot of things in life that we can’t control, but we can control the food we put into our bodies.
What advice do you have for future business owners?
I think you need to be comfortable with a certain amount of risk. Hopefully you have done your homework and you have a viable business idea which will reduce this risk, but the reality is that it takes a lot of grit and hard work.
How do you achieve a work/life balance?
I spend as much time with my family as I can and I take at least two vacations with them every year. I make a point of having a coffee with my wife every morning before I head off to work and I make sure I spend quality time with my son every day. I also coach my son’s soccer team and play twice a week.
Who could benefit from your services?
Green Earth Organics is great for people who are busy, but want to eat healthy. On average, it only takes about seven minutes for our customers to do all of their shopping from the comforts of their home. That time saved is worth something and could be used to do something other than driving through traffic, finding parking, lining up in stores, and carrying heavy grocery items out to the car.