Photo: McKenzie Lain at work
McKenzie Lain, General Manager of Watters Garden Center in Prescott, Arizona, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Young Retailer Award by The Garden Center Group. The honor was bestowed upon her at Cultivate’24, one of the horticulture industry’s leading trade shows, in Columbus, Ohio.
Lain’s innovative approach and leadership at Watters Garden Center have distinguished her among her peers, recognizing her as a driving force in the industry and a proud representative of Prescott’s vibrant business community.
At 28, McKenzie stood out among her peers, being one of three finalists for this prestigious accolade alongside Jake Scott of Piedmont Feed & Garden Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Zachary Pitchford of Wilcox Nursery & Landscape, Largo, Florida. Her remarkable contributions and innovative leadership in her family’s independent garden center shone brightly among the competition.
“McKenzie embodies the youthful exuberance and dedication that the Young Retailer Award was designeleadershid to recognize and celebrate,” said Chris Beytes, Editor-in-Chief of Green Magazine. “She has truly set a high standard, and choosing between such exceptional finalists was no easy task for our judges.”
Leadership and Innovation
As a third-generation leader in her family’s business, McKenzie has distinguished herself by fostering a dynamic retail environment. She launched an intra-company website to enhance staff communication, regularly streams gardening classes for customer education, and has enriched the store’s inventory with a distinct selection of rare and exotic tropical plants.
McKenzie’s commitment to professional and community leadership includes creating Watters Share Space, a successful internal platform that promotes team autonomy and collaboration. Her dedication extends into the community, actively supporting local organizations and driving community engagement.
Commitment to Community and Continuous Learning
McKenzie’s passion extends beyond the borders of Watters Garden Center. She weaves the center into the fabric of the Prescott community, empowering residents with gardening knowledge and supporting local job growth. Her efforts have led to the establishment of the only Rare and Exotic Tropical Houseplant selection in Northern Arizona.
Her personal commitment to growth is equally evident in her academic achievements. A licensed Family and Marriage Therapist with a Master’s degree from Fuller Seminary, McKenzie leverages her psychological insights to enrich her customer and team interactions, seeing each as an opportunity for growth.
A Legacy and Vision for the Future
Gardening is not just a career for McKenzie; it’s a family legacy. Following in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents, she brings a mix of tradition and innovation to the next chapter of Watters Garden Center. Her journey through psychology and retail management equips her to steer the center confidently into the future.
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About Watters Garden Center
Founded by Harold Watters in 1962, Watters Garden Center began as an extension of his landscape business, evolving into a beloved retail establishment. Passed on to his daughter Lisa Watters-Lain and her husband Ken in 2002, the garden center continues to inspire the Prescott community. To learn more, visit WattersGardenCenter.com.
