Jim Nuttall, owner of Nuttall’s Garden Centre, has been in the nursery business for 20 years, following a 50-year business legacy started by his father, who ran the local hardware business.
“I love business, I love figures, and I've got an accounting degree, but I started with my father, James Raff Nuttall, back in 1968,” Jim says.
“He actually invented the ‘return spray system’ for cane farmers, and created the cattle spray, ‘Ready Rect’ and got a grant for a mobile spray, which was widely popular back in the day.”
“We already had the land here at 52 Soper Street, and I got the expertise of Peter McLean, who knew all about plants - he came on board as my manager, so that gave me the confidence to go ahead with the nursery - that was 20 years ago,” he says.
Jim emphasises the importance of service and plant care, noting that his daughters significantly contribute to the nursery's success with their marketing skills and plant care expertise.
“The oldest daughter does all the care and maintenance of the plants, the second daughter does all the marketing, and my wife also works here as well sometimes, so it's a family run business,” he says.
While it’s located only an hour's drive from Bunnings in Townsville, the garden centre benefits from Jim's long-standing presence in the community, with plenty of customers seeking his advice and great customer service.
“You've got to be competitive and you've got to give good service,” Jim says.
“That's what we pride ourselves on, it's all about service, and looking after the plants.”
Jim and his wife are involved in community activities, with Jim being the treasurer of the Burdekin Singers for 23 years. Though he no longer performs as a “space filler” when they are short on men, his wife, Pat, still directs the musicals in town, noting that they have always been community-minded, with Jim also helping to get funding for the basketball stadium many years ago.
During December, Nuttall’s Garden Centre is running a “Brilliant Bon Bon" giveaway, where customers who spend $50 or more win a free prize!
Jim has no desire to retire, enjoying being his own boss and running the business, particularly the social aspects of work as he gets to meet new people daily. He much prefers that to sitting at home twiddling his “green” thumbs.
“I'll keep going as long as I can,” Jim says.
Jim and his customers are celebrating the milestone with a party this Saturday, 7 December, at 6pm, at Nuttall’s Garden Centre on 52 Soper Street, Ayr. Call Jim on 0407 832 463 to attend.
Jim Nuttall. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
