In a recent episode of the Women in Motion podcast, Lee Kantor sat down with Michelle Roberts, the force behind Roberts Ranch and Garden. What started as a humble family project on a 7-acre plot has blossomed into a thriving business that provides hoop houses to farmers, communities, and individuals across the Western United States. This blog explores the journey of Roberts Ranch and Garden, the challenges Michelle faced, and how she turned a small-scale CSA farm into a successful enterprise.
The Origins: From Crisis to Opportunity
In 2008, during the economic downturn, Michelle Roberts found herself at a crossroads. With a large family to support and a rural location that made traditional employment difficult, she decided to leverage her skills as a master gardener. “We were in the midst of hard times,” Michelle recalls. “I thought, ‘We can do this.'” And so, Roberts Ranch and Garden was born.
Michelle created a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm on her property, building a small hoop house to start thousands of plant seedlings. The farm provided fresh produce to local farmers’ markets and helped the family weather the financial storm. The success of this initial venture laid the groundwork for what was to come.
The Birth of Roberts Ranch Hoophouses
The turning point came when Michelle’s hoop house caught the attention of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They informed her about grants available for building hoop houses, which sparked an idea. “I said to them, ‘Hey, if anyone wants us to build their hoop house, we can do that,'” Michelle explains.
This led to the creation of Roberts Ranch Hoophouses in 2015, when Michelle’s son, a mechanical engineer, joined the business. Together, they expanded their operations, building hoop houses for individuals and communities. What started as a side project soon became the main driver of the business.
What Sets Roberts Ranch Hoophouses Apart
One of the key differentiators of Roberts Ranch Hoophouses is the focus on quality and customization. Michelle explains the difference between a hoop house and a traditional greenhouse: “Greenhouses are typically made in concrete with glass panes or polycarbonate sheeting. Our hoop houses are made of galvanized steel and plastic, designed to be more flexible and durable, especially in areas with heavy snowfall like Utah.”
Roberts Ranch Hoophouses also offers Gothic-style hoop houses, which are specifically designed to withstand snow accumulation. This attention to detail has made their products particularly popular in regions with harsh winters.
Expanding the Reach: From Local to National
For years, Roberts Ranch Hoophouses relied on word of mouth to grow its business. It wasn’t until 2023 that they began advertising, which tripled their income compared to previous years. “Last year was the first year we ever advertised, and it exploded our business,” Michelle shares. The company now serves a wide range of customers, from individuals looking to grow their food to communities focused on sustainability.
Joining WBEC-West: A Strategic Move
Michelle’s journey took an exciting turn when she decided to join WBEC-West. Initially seeking to get her hoop house kits onto the shelves of major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s, she quickly realized the importance of supplier diversity channels. “It took me six months to put all the paperwork in, but I did it,” Michelle says. “The training and education at WBEC-West have been invaluable.”
Through WBEC-West, Michelle connected directly with buyers from major retailers, bringing her closer to her goal of making hoop house kits accessible to a broader audience.
The Future of Roberts Ranch and Garden
Today, Roberts Ranch and Garden is more than just a farm; it’s a hub for sustainable living. The company continues to grow, expanding its product offerings and reaching new customers. “It’s thrilling to do,” Michelle says. “When people come to pick up their kits and I walk them through the gardens and the hoop houses, they love it. We talk gardening, and it’s my passion.”
In addition to gardening, Roberts Ranch Hoophouses has even ventured into building structures for activities like pickleball, showcasing the versatility of their products.
Connection
From weathering the economic downturn to building a successful business, Michelle has proven that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to turn challenges into opportunities. Roberts Ranch and Garden, now a leading provider of hoop houses in the Western United States, is a testament to what can be achieved when you combine a love for gardening with an entrepreneurial spirit.
If you’re interested in learning more about Roberts Ranch Hoophouses or want to explore their products, visit their website at rrhoophouses.com.
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
