Step into the greenhouse of Idaho’s most enduring family business as Callie Zamzow opens up about the 92-year journey of Zamzows – from accidental beginnings to becoming a beloved institution with 12 thriving locations across the Boise Valley.

The story begins with a missed train when Callie’s great-grandfather stepped off in Meridian for a sandwich and couldn’t get back on – a fortunate mishap that planted the seeds for generations of entrepreneurship. From those humble Depression-era beginnings mixing animal feed on the ground with shovels, the Zamzow family built their legacy one bag at a time, with Callie’s grandmother literally hand-stitching each one.

Today, Callie Zamzow serves as Co-CEO of Zamzows, as well as Dynamite Specialty Products and Zamzow Family Holdings. A Boise State biology graduate, she’s co-led the family businesses since 2004 alongside her father Jim, brother Joss, and husband Clint Scott. With her 18-year-old daughter heading off to college this fall, Callie reflects on the evolution of leadership, legacy, and what it means to truly grow something lasting.

Callie brings us into the fascinating world of her father Jim, the “mad scientist” whose passion for soil health and plant nutrition led to the creation of hundreds of innovative products. His deep understanding of the relationship between microbes, nutrients, and plants became the foundation for staples like “Tomato Boom” that local gardeners swear by. This commitment to soil health isn’t just marketing – it’s a core philosophy that drives everything they do.

After initially resisting the family legacy—including a stint as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch—Callie describes the moment when returning to Zamzows finally “clicked.” Over the last 25 years, she’s carved out her own leadership identity, one that honors her family’s rich tradition while embracing innovation, clear communication, and personal growth.

What truly sets this conversation apart is Callie’s wisdom about growing not just plants, but people. With around 200 employees during peak seasons, she’s cultivated a workplace culture grounded in passion for animals, plants, and sustainability. The result? A team of true experts who love what they do and the customers they serve.

Outside of work, Callie is also a watercolor artist, writer, podcaster, speaker, and golfer—proof that leadership, like gardening, flourishes when nurtured with creativity and balance.

Want to dig into more garden wisdom? Zamzows is launching a new podcast called The Nobody Knowz this summer, continuing their legacy of practical, region-specific gardening knowledge for Idaho’s unique growing conditions. Subscribe now to grow alongside this remarkable family business.

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