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Matt Stuppy
Stuppy Greenhouse Manufacturing
Kansas City, MO
 Q: How long have you worked in the greenhouse
manufacturing industry, and what do you do in your current position?
A: I have been at Stuppy for eleven years and served as President for the
past six years.
Q: Why did you go into this industry?
A: I went into the industry partly because it was the family business and
mostly because I enjoyed the engineering challenges that are unique to the
industry.
Q: What’s been a key to your success in this industry over the years?
A: My good looks, cunning sense of humor, and my elite connections in the
industry. Other than that, probably identifying what kind of a company
Stuppy is and what it can become.
Q: What is a project or two that you’ve done that you’re especially proud
of, and why?
A: I've got a fond place in my heart for Trinity University in San Antonio
Texas. The story behind it is that the President of the University mentioned
how great the greenhouse was even though it didn't exist. We worked with the
General Contractor to make that house happen in a hurry. It sits on the roof
of the science building overlooking San Antonio as a monument to our
industry.
Q: Have you faced any industry-related challenges lately, and what have you
done to overcome them?
A: The main challenged our industry has faced it the consolidation of the
retail market with national and regional retailers. From that the entire
industry has changed right down to the companies that provide the facilities
and capital equipment that goes in them. The keys for Stuppy to face are the
changes in how we go to market, which markets we participate in and defining
our area of expertise. We have increased our construction abilities and
broadened some of the markets we work in, while eliminating other markets.
Q: How long have you been a NGMA member?
A: Stuppy Inc. has been for many moons. I've been attending NGMA meetings
for 10 years
Q: What do you find is the biggest benefit of being a NGMA member?
A: To me it's being able to work and talk with companies that share similar
challenges and customers. We are about creating the right spaces for growers
to be successful. The United States is very unique when it comes to the
horticulture industry because of the varying climates, logistics, and
consumers. I like working with other companies that have a passion for
creating great greenhouses in the United States.
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