Chamber spotlights Crazy Harry’s
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Crazy Harry's has been serving Randolph County for 43 years.
Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce congratulates Crazy Harry's Greenhouse as the April 2021 Spotlight Business of the Month.
The business has been serving Randolph County for 43 years.
In October 1978, Harry Akers opened the first market where KFC is currently located. He started by hiring five employees and by Christmas, he had one.
Business was slow and something needed to change. So, in January of 1979, Harry Akers consulted his two friends that handled his advertising, Ray and Ronnie. Harry explained he needed to increase business and attract more people to his market. Their response to the dilemma? "You need something crazy!" A light bulb went off and Harry replied, "That's it!" Just like that, Crazy Harry's Greenhouse was born on Jan. 15, 1979.
In the spring of 1979, the first greenhouse went up next to the market. Within two years, two more greenhouses were built -- each bigger than the last.
In 1983 Harry Akers sold the market to his oldest son, Rock Akers. Harry continued to run the greenhouses at this location until 1987.
Crazy Harry's mission has remained the same since 1979: to provide customers with the best possible shopping experience by providing them with superior quality products, selection, and customer service. The seasonal greenhouse now has two locations and offers a wide array of products including vegetable plants, hanging baskets, perennials, shrubbery, trees, bedding plants, annuals, herbs, topicals, and so much more. During COVID-19, the business was faced with unexpected challenges and had to change the services they offer to customers. Through implementing online ordering and curb-side pickup, they continue to ensure customers' safety, health, and happiness amid the global pandemic.
For Crazy Harry's, it's about giving back. All churches receive a discount at their greenhouses, and they routinely give donations throughout their season to local organizations. Crazy Harry's has been a long-time favorite in the area and they invest countless hours in growing and evolving their small business to better serve the Elkins community. Crazy Harry's has always, and will always, show a deep appreciation for the new and long-time customers who choose to shop locally and support them.
If you would like to nominate a Spotlight Business of the Month, contact chamber@erccc.com.