Entrepreneur enjoys success of rock business
Staff reporter
Rocks, rocks, everywhere rocks. Thus the name The Rock Shop.
Neil Hett of rural Peabody started his landscape materials business in 2001, on Upland Road near Marion County Lake.
"I was driving a truck over-the-road and the majority of my loads were landscape rock," said Hett. "People asked if I could get them some of the rock."
When business began to boom and he needed more room, Hett moved his business to his property on Nighthawk and 120th. This is his second season at his home.
He continues to haul loose bulk for a trucking company he now owns, J&J Transportation.
"I'll continue to haul even if my business becomes more successful because I want to be able to hand pick what I sell," Hett said.
Eliminating the middle man, Hett said he can offer unique, quality rock and landscape materials at competitive prices.
The size of the rock varies from a nearly 1,000-pound boulder to driveway gravel.
He also has a large assortment of historic limestone, obtained from the area.
"When people tear down old barns or other buildings and want to get rid of the limestone, they call me and I pick it up," Hett said.
Limestone is used by area residents for landscaping and construction.
Whether it's a semi trailer load or a pickup truck load, Hett is happy to deliver.
"Not everybody owns a pickup truck," said Hett.
Other popular items for sale are Kansas stepping stones, flag stones, railroad ties, and numerous colors and shapes of ground-covering stones.
While Hett is on the road, he has assistance from others who operate his shop. A trailer sets near the business that is used by Hett and his helpers. Hett's residence is east of the business.
All of the rock that Hett sells is natural, not man-made. Consistency of rock is important to Hett. He purchases the rock from the same quarries so customers can continue projects. By using the same quarries, the rock color and size stay consistent, and blends well with other rocks purchased at earlier dates.
What does he have that makes his shop unique? Boulders. Hett has boulders from Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Colorful red and red marble boulders catch the eyes of customers.
"I carry more varieties than discount stores," said Hett.
With the business flourishing, Hett may expand next year by adding another row of bins for landscape rock.
Increases in fuel prices do affect his pricing but he does not raise prices of materials until the new load is delivered.
As he travels the country, hauling materials for others and himself, he will continue to seek out the usual and unusual products for his customers.
"I try to find materials that people can afford," Hett said.
