I’m Michael Giljohann, proud owner of Sweetbush Tropical Plant Services.

I look forward to sharing my story. I hope that you will enjoy getting to know me.

The part of my work which I find most enjoyable is working with new clients and with all of my employees.

I grew up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. During my college years at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; some buddies and I had the idea to host plant parties to raise money. We had an old van and would drive down to Florida and bring back tropical plants  to sell.

This led to my starting my own company, Sweetbush, Inc. in 1976. What started as having plant parties and selling plants blossomed into a turnkey operation. We place and maintain plants in corporate offices, malls and private residences. About 15 years ago I added a flower shop and a garden center. The fellow I bought the garden center from  had owned it for over 50 years.

Not only do I run my business and satisfy my customers; I believe I am responsible for providing for my family and for helping my employees provide for themselves and their families.

I like to start my day early, usually with a swim or in the summer months hitting some balls on the golf course. When I go into work I do anything that's needed. I'm not afraid to get dirty or do deliveries. What I find most enjoyable is talking with customers. My schedule and routine varies from day to day. My wife and I bought a small place in Florida a few years ago. So now we spend the winter months there. The most important decisions I face regularly are trying to keep costs down while always providing top notch service to our customers.

The three top skills I rely upon to perform my job are: organization, motivation and a friendly smile. I attribute my success to my upbringing; my parents were a strong and positive influence. I also got ahead by hard work and not being afraid to take risks.

My leadership style has developed in large part due to my relationship with Gus Ramirez from Husco Corporation in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

A company which I admire is the Briohn Construction company. They are organized and prompt in getting back with people. It's a family run business that operates in many ways that I can appreciate and relate to.

Two causes in which I believe and support are Breast Cancer awareness and the Boy Scouts of America. I contribute to both of these organizations as well as to the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation.

The personal values that speak to me are: honesty, hard work, friendliness and courtesy.

My pastimes away from work are golf and swimming.

The most fulfilling aspect of my life has been raising three children who have all become successful in their own way.

I have enjoyed sharing my story about the things which matter to me and how they influence the way I do business.

If you, or someone you know could benefit from our expertise in interior plant rentals, custom floral design or holiday decor, I invite you to get in touch.

Sincerely,

Michael