Non-profit Organization finalist: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens finished this past fiscal year in the black for the first time since 2003.
CEO Tom Buchter’s fiscal practices can be credited for that turnaround.

“We had to cut costs, do things more efficiently,” he said.

Buchter received heavy criticism in 2009, when he laid off seven employees, which was 14% of his full-time workforce, including two world-renowned orchid researchers. He also instituted a number of other changes, including making the grounds look more attractive and being more committed to fundraising.

“There’s a science to (fundraising),” he said. “Creating a positive image, keeping existing (donors) and brining in new ones.”

Going forward, Buchter is focusing Selby Gardens on a new marketing strategy that reaches out to the media, the Gulf Coast community and the worldwide horticulture community to get the word out on the good things the nonprofit is doing.

“A lot of (companies) do good work, but don’t tell the story,” he said.

Much of what Buchter has planned for the future is focused on customer satisfaction.

Being reliant on admission fees to help balance the books, Selby Gardens wants to make sure the user experience, enjoying all the gardens has to offer, is a pleasant an experience as possible.

Upcoming projects include new greenhouses, a new visitors center and new office space for employees.
“(Selby Gardens) is a terrific place,” said Buchter. “It’s all that is can be.”

At a glance

Address: 811 S. Palm Ave., Sasrasota

Start date: 1973

Number of employees: About 40. It varies, with seasonal workers.

Advice to other small businesses: “Stay true to your core business," said Tom Buchter, CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. "Adapt to changing realities. Develop good relationships with donors and prospective donors and use donations wisely and as promised.”

Biggest challenge: “To create financial stability and an environment that serves the community.”
Best place for a power lunch: Bijou Café

What was first day like: “It wasn’t any different than any other first day. I paced myself in getting to know the whole organization. I didn’t go to lunch that day. No time.”

If you could have any job for a day, what would you do: “I wouldn’t get out of the horticulture industry, and I like being president and CEO.”

Who is your business hero: “W. Edwards Deming. He is the individual the Japanese credit with restoring their economy after World War II. His philosophy was to constantly evolve.”

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].