Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?
Lotus Bonsai Nursery and Gardens has been in business since 1986. Scott Chadd began working with bonsai in 1972 and was the public works director for the City of Auburn from 1979 to 1986. In 1986, he came to El Dorado County as their first director of transportation and brought the bonsai nursery with him.
How are you involved with both the community and your customer?
We are members of the El Dorado County Farm Trails Association and Scott serves on their board of directors. We also belong to various chambers of commerce. Scott is also the incoming president of the Golden State Bonsai Federation—where he represents over 70 bonsai clubs with 6,000 members—and serves on the board of directors for the American Bonsai Society.
Why is your staff the best in the business?
We are sharply focused on the needs of our customers and do our best to make every visitor feel welcome and valued.
Where do you go when the going gets tough?
We both like to travel, and visit the Mendocino coast often.
What’s your biggest job perk?
The best thing about owning a home-operated business is the 20-second commute in the morning from the coffee pot to the front yard.
What is your opinion of Style Magazine?
We both really enjoy
Style Magazine. It provides access to and information about so many local businesses and points of interest, and provides in-depth information that we cannot get anywhere else.
And finally, customer service?
While our business is conducted largely with clients in major urban centers, anyone who visits the nursery is treated as a valued guest and good friend. We understand that our customers are the reason we’re in business and that their needs are the most important concern we have.
