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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
They say success smells sweet. But for Connie Cannon, it smells a bit like—well—manure. Connie operates a unique company called Replenish Products that uses composted manure to produce a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The animal byproduct makes Utah’s yards and gardens really grow, and it’s had the same effect on Connie’s business.
Back in the spring of 1994, Connie wondered what the secret was to making anything grow in Utah. She learned of composted manure from an expert and tried to order some from a supplier. But the supplier had run short and told her to call back in the fall. She did but it wasn’t to simply order some for her yard. Instead, Connie had an idea to market the compost in bags along Salt Lake’s East Bench.
With help from her sons, Connie flooded the area with flyers and from that, received orders for 1,000 bags. The following spring, she sold 10,000 bags, and by the next year, had moved to a warehouse.
By 1996, Connie added a delivery van, a bagging machine and a dump truck, which she used to deliver orders made in bulk quantities.
As demand grew, the Cannons and her company realized the need to produce their own compost. So they learned the composting process and teamed with a local dairy to get the ingredients. They also located a large feedlot in Idaho as another source and began trucking that into Utah.
There was plenty of compost and it proved popular. But the company soon realized how much better it would be if they could spread it for their clients. So they bought a semi truck that would do it for them.
Replenish Products now has two Express Blower trucks, and last year, the company moved to a new location at 12000 South and 700 East in Draper. It also has a second yard at 775 N. 700 West along I-15. Connie told me the locations are convenient for deliveries and pickups. The company still offers home delivery, despite all the expansions.
Replenish Products has also diversified its product. It sells and spreads mulches, barks, top soils and play-chips for playgrounds in addition to its popular composted manure.
For Zions Bank, I’m Fred Ball. I’m speaking on business.
