#Agriculture #Greenhouse #GeothermalEnergy #SustainableFarming #Innovation #SmallBusiness #InternationalExpansion #NebraskaBusinessDevelopmentCenter
Discover the remarkable success story of Greenhouse in the Snow, an innovative company founded by 91-year-old Russ Finch that has harnessed geothermal energy to create sustainable, year-round greenhouse environments. From its humble beginnings, the company has grown, not only expanding across the United States but also breaking into international markets in Canada and Europe. Learn how this ingenious greenhouse design is changing the face of agriculture and energy-efficient farming.
In the world of agriculture, innovation often takes root in the most unexpected places. One such tale of ingenuity and perseverance comes from Russ Finch, a 91-year-old retired U.S. Postal Service worker from Alliance, Nebraska. What started as a quest to find a natural way to heat his home has now blossomed into a thriving company called Greenhouse in the Snow, pioneering a groundbreaking approach to sustainable farming.
Harnessing the Earth’s Natural Temperature
Russ Finch’s revolutionary idea centers around utilizing the Earth’s natural temperature, a constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit, eight feet underground. By tapping into this geothermal energy source, Finch created a greenhouse where the indoor climate is naturally warmed in the winter and cooled in the summer. The result? Energy conservation and reduced greenhouse operating costs – a win-win for both farmers and the environment.
From Local Innovation to Global Expansion
The success of Finch’s geothermal greenhouse concept led to the establishment of Greenhouse in the Snow, a company that has now sold over 700 greenhouse kits across the United States. These kits, manufactured in Alliance by Antioch Machine, LLC, have become a symbol of sustainable agriculture and energy-efficient farming practices.
In 2010, Finch joined forces with Allen Bright, owner of Antioch Machine, to oversee manufacturing, sales, and delivery of the greenhouse kits. Additionally, the Greenhouse in the Snow at Finch’s home became an attraction for visitors curious to witness firsthand how low-grade geothermal heat and cooling could facilitate year-round production of citrus, fruits, vegetables, and various flowers.
A Bitter Winter and a Bright Future
Despite the success, the journey has not been without challenges. In 2022, the original greenhouse at Finch’s home collapsed under the weight of eight feet of snow during an extreme winter. It was a devastating loss, but it only strengthened the resolve of Finch and his team. Plans are already underway for a new and improved structure.
Collaboration with the Nebraska Business Development Center
Throughout their journey, Russ Finch and Allen Bright have leaned on the expertise and guidance of the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) office in Chadron. The NBDC team, led by consultants like Chris McCarthy, has provided invaluable support, from market research and competition analysis to website enhancements and strategic planning.
The NBDC’s commitment to helping small businesses succeed has been instrumental in Greenhouse in the Snow’s growth. According to Jennifer Wittrock, Chadron Office Assistant, “The business is still paying for itself,” a testament to the sustainable and financially sound model crafted by Finch and Bright.
Awards and Recognition
In 2014, Greenhouse in the Snow received the title of Sustainability Business of the Year from NBDC. The following year, it earned further accolades when the Small Business Administration (SBA) recognized the company as the Nebraska Congressional District III Small Business of the Year, third place.
Expanding Horizons
Greenhouse in the Snow offers greenhouse kits that include frames, polycarbonate glazing, and comprehensive instructions. These kits are priced by the lineal foot and are available in 6-foot increments, with most greenhouses measuring 17 feet wide and ranging from 78 to 102 feet long. The company’s largest-ever sale, a staggering 180-foot-long greenhouse, found its home in Colorado.
As the company continues to grow, Greenhouse in the Snow has set its sights on international markets. With recent expansions into Canada and Europe, the future looks promising. Allen Bright emphasizes the importance of NBDC’s continued support as they navigate new territories, highlighting that small businesses like theirs play a critical role in Nebraska’s economy.
Russ Finch’s innovative use of geothermal energy in greenhouse design has not only changed the way we think about sustainable agriculture but also inspired a successful business venture. Greenhouse in the Snow’s expansion into international markets is a testament to the power of ingenuity and collaboration in the agricultural industry. As we look to the future, it’s clear that sustainable practices like those championed by Greenhouse in the Snow will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of farming.
