continued from page 29 not what is most rewarding to Tim, even as a co-owner of CALCan. “The great thing about it is the parents are committed to success of the business—obviously for the benefit of the family—but it’s great for us to see the kids come to work, be productive, earn a paycheck,” Tim said. “The most rewarding thing is seeing them come out and be productive.” Tim said that while right now there is one 6,000 square-foot greenhouse, the three-year plan is to increase the number of greenhouses across northeast Kansas and ultimately have 50,000 square-feet of greenhouse space, which would allow the business to include more families. “I think a lot of our kids that are here now will be helpful, maybe instrumental, in training others as they get started,” Tim said. But of all the owners and employees working at CALCan, three constant smiles on Saturday showed, without the need for words, to whom the business meant the most. But those three, who have been friends before CALCan was even incepted, had words to share anyway. “Doing the labor,” Luke Gerhardt cited as his favorite part of working at CALCan. “So, doing stuff outside and then going in [to the greenhouse] and helping out. And harvesting. Normally I
help my dad out, opening doors and with transport.” Multiple people named the weekly harvesting day as their favorite part of CALCan, and Andrés was no exception. “Harvesting,” Andrés said. “You get to put things in boxes and then you put them in a refrigerated trailer. And working with Colby and Luke. It’s pretty fun, neat. It’s pretty fun. That way we can work together as teams.” And Colby returned in the early afternoon from selling produce at the farmers market, just as energetic as his two companions. As far as the work at CALCan itself, he named a particular task he favors. “To water and seed the plants,” Colby said. “I’m just loving my job here.” But in regards to working with Luke and Andrés? “Good. I love it,” Colby said. “They’re one of my best friends.” All three boys said they plan to continue working at CALCan for the foreseeable future, as did parents and family members. Spending time at the CALCan greenhouse makes it difficult to decipher whether CALCan is a business or an organization focused on camaraderie. The simple answer is, it’s both. TK
Colby Myers, Luke Gerhardt and Andrés Guillen are best friends, co-workers and the heart of CALCan Enterprises, LLC.
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Summer 2016
TK Business Magazine
PHOTO BY DAVID VINCENT
disabilities,” Perez said. “I thought this was a great opportunity, not only for the kids, but to be an example for other people to create these job opportunities.” Perez was planting seeds Saturday morning, but said she is involved with the entire process through the harvesting of the produce. Tim Gerhardt said that particular Saturday was going pretty well, in regards to progress. He spent the morning and early afternoon both in the greenhouse and picking up those at the farmers market once they were finished. “Saturday we’re trying to move everything. So we’re moving the plants that are too big in the nursery over to the finishing channels,” Tim said. “We’re moving stuff out of seeding into the nursery and planting more seeds and watering them. We’re making that shift. Everything’s moving forward on Saturday.” Once produce is packaged and ready to sell, it goes to the local farmers market, one of 18 Hy-Vee stores or one of three Whole Foods stores across northeast Kansas and part of Kansas City, Missouri, Tim said. While a big focus right now is on improving profitability for the business, which would mean shipping at least 100 cases of product per week, the profits are