Local Business Spotlight: Gasper – Outdoor Living Perfected

This Patch article is sponsored by Gasper.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Bob Gasper, Owner and President of Gasper.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Bob Gasper: We have four divisions dedicated to creating your outdoor dream. Landscape Design & Construction, Home & Garden Center, Exterior Furnishings Studio, and Hardscape & Building Supply – culminating in Outdoor Living Perfected.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?
Bob Gasper: We’ve been around since 1987 when I started doing landscape work for all of my neighbors.

As demand grew for our landscaping services and plant materials, so did we! Gasper began expanding from landscape work into retail, opening our first garden center in 1994. Our first store was the seed that was planted to become Gasper Home & Garden Center, known today not just for our beautiful plants, but also for quality hardscape supplies, outdoor furniture, and everything needed to create inspired outdoor living spaces.

Today Paula and I remain at the helm, joined with our children, Dana and Robert. We are truly a family business with many members of the extended family lending their expertise across the company’s divisions. Our family, together with a team of more than 160 dedicated employees, continues to uphold my original commitment: exceptional customer service and products that stand the test of time.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Bob Gasper: Our story began in late eighties, when Paula and I purchased our first home in Holland, PA. I was landscaping my own yard when friends and neighbors began asking for help transforming their properties, and a new passion took root.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Bob Gasper: Experience the Gasper difference! We are all about Quality, Knowledge, and Trust. It’s in our brand DNA. Quality in Design/Build services. Quality in plant materials and outdoor décor. . . Quality in craftsmanship. . . Quality in landscaping services. . . Quality in customer service.

Knowledge. We have vetted all our vendors and suppliers. Our staff is professionally trained and we do an extensive amount of hours in product training. We have more Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturists on staff than any other garden center in the Greater Delaware Valley area.

Trust. When you work with Gasper, you’re doing business with a family business whose name is on the door, and a workforce you can trust. Whatever division you’re working with, our customers can be assured the quality and knowledge will be there. Whether you are building an outdoor kitchen, or selecting shrubs for your landscape, the customers know they are getting the right information for their specific need. If there is an issue, we will be there for them.

We are always welcoming new customers to enjoy the same quality that has made us a trusted name for decades in the outdoor living arena.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Bob Gasper: Building a lasting multi-generational business. I grew up in a family owned and operated delicatessen with parents and children working together. I am enormously proud that tradition continues at Gasper. My daughter and son are now owners in addition to being garden center management and head of landscape sales, respectively. We’ve also welcomed and brought in extended family members as well. Most recently my eight-year-old granddaughter has joined us as a spokesperson for Gasper in our videos.

Having grown from the ground up, a family business that offers the highest quality products, outdoor designs, and legendary customer service brings me great satisfaction.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Bob Gasper: Gasper distinguishes itself from others in the Home and Garden industry in several ways -- as we like to say, ‘Gasper Does It All.’

First, in the realm of plant material, it’s well known if you can’t find it, go to Gasper. Many of our competitors will refer customers to us if it’s a perennial, shrub, or tree they don’t carry. We are known for our extensive and high-quality, premium selection of tropicals, houseplants, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and more. And, if it’s something we do not stock, and we can special order for our customers, we will!

Second, we cater to homeowners, who want turn-key professional installation for their outdoor living projects as well as the do-it-yourselfers who want to buy the materials and need guidance on how to make their outdoor space happen.

For outdoor design/building services in the Greater Delaware Valley region, Gasper is the leader. When homeowners desire an incredible outdoor living space, they call Gasper. Our team of designers and skilled craftsmen will assist and deliver from concept to installation the landscape of their dreams.

And, let’s not forget the small-to- medium-sized contractors. Gasper is their go-to source for plant material, hardscape building supplies, and specialty equipment rentals, so they are able to complete projects for their customers.

Third, customer service. Customer service is paramount. Every Gasper associate knows this. Gasper is going to take care of the customer. I take customer service very seriously and I am proud of Gasper’s reputation.

The concept that Gasper Does It All is a powerful and convenient one. Think about it. Landscape design and construction, home and garden services, exterior furnishings, and hardscape and building supply – all under one umbrella. Gasper does it all – with my extended family and accomplished team!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?
Bob Gasper: Patch readers can learn more about Gasper by visiting our comprehensive website www.Gasper.net as well as our new www.Shopgasper.net site. We publish a Gasper magazine/catalog several times a year that our customers love, and created an email list that gives customers access to extra savings through weekly coupons and specials. Readers can sign up for both online on our website under Newsletter signup.