Tour a Historic 1850s Train Depot turned plant shop located in Massillon, Ohio, and hear about how the Pandemic created the time and space for then-aspiring lawyer Justin Lepley to change paths and start Lepley & Co., a plant boutique and florist shop. What started on his front lawn in May 2020 during the start of the Pandemic has grown to three locations across Northeast Ohio and now employs a dynamic team of creatives from different backgrounds. Further, in October 2022, Justin and his team took over the management of Northside Marketplace, a dynamic mixed-used retail incubator in Akron, Ohio. The tour will include an enthusiastic reflection on the growth and struggles of starting a business during an uncertain time and how Lepley & Co. has garnered a community of local supporters.



Justin has extensive experience working with Youth Entrepreneurs through his time as a Class Mentor for the Junior Achievement Company Program and as Director of the Board for MentorStark. The discussion can be flexibly curated to suit the class level and to incorporate specific subject matter relevant to the classroom curriculum. Students are welcome to ask questions and engage throughout the tour or at the end through a Q&A Session.



This opportunity can also be paired with a Field Trip to Northside Marketplace as well. Where this tour focuses primarily on Lepley & Co.’s growth story and the personal aspects of the business, Northside Marketplace allows students to see products and ideas from over 140 businesses as they engage in activities to get them into the Entrepreneurial Mindset.



You can learn more about the story of Lepley & Co. at LepleyAndCo.com and about the Northside Marketplace facility, vendors, and what we offer at NorthsideMarketplace.com.



Please feel free to reach out with any specific questions or requests.