Stacy Hotchkin

STI Class of 1992

Degree: Horticulture Technology

Horticulture Lab Specialist

Southeast Technical Institute

Ditching the Desk

Stacy Hotchkin Rolls Up Her Sleeves to Share Her Love for the Green Industry

 In 1990, Stacy Hotchkin was working as a dietary supervisor in Sioux Falls. Although she enjoyed her job, it wasn’t her passion. Stacy shares, “I decided this wasn’t for me. My husband Dale was operating Dakota Lawn and Landscape Service, a business he had started with my sister who graduated from Southeast with a horticulture degree. I had been helping them when I got off from my job in the afternoon and I just fell in love with it. I decided I was tired of working inside and wanted to do what I really enjoyed doing.”

Upon making her decision to change careers, Stacy enrolled in the horticulture program at Southeast and earned her horticulture degree. She shares, “My intentions were to work full-time with Dale and our business, but then a Lab Specialist position opened up at Southeast and I applied for it and got it. It’s a great job because I get to share what I know. I just like being able to help people learn things.”

Today, Stacy works at Southeast and has also helped the family business evolve into a full-service landscaping company. “We added more of the landscape design and installation services after I got my degree. We also keep a plant nursery with trees, shrubs and perennials. Owning your own business is nice but it’s a lot of work. It does give you flexibility and you definitely get the satisfaction of a job well done.”

Not thinking of another job change any time soon, Stacy knows she has landed exactly where she wants to be. “I love my job because I enjoy being outside and working with plants. It’s no comparison to my previous job because when I have to sit and do paperwork inside I go crazy. I have to be up and doing something.”