About Us

About LEO’S PET • GARDEN • HOME.

Our business has been family-owned for three generations. Leo’s has been a part of the Cedar Lake community since 1979.

Originally named Leo’s Produce & Nursery and later became Leo’s Feed & Garden Center, followed by Leo’s Pet Garden Home.

Leo’s was successfully started and operated by Leo Govert and his oldest son Steve Govert, who currently owns and runs the business. Today you can find Steve, and the 3rd generation, Justin, and Sierra (Steve’s children) on staff.

 

Back in 1979 when we were Leo’s Produce our first building was a smaller facility where we sold flowers, produce, nursery stock, and pet food. Ten years later in 1989 we moved to our present location where we sit on a little over two acres of property and have plenty of space outside for trees and plants. In 2006 we added on our 48×60 greenhouses. In 2007 we remodeled the entrance to the store and added a new larger warehouse to accommodate our growing customer base.

We now carry full lines of pet food, pet supplies, animal feed, nursery stock, flowers, bird seed, several varieties of seasonal gifts and much more.

As we look forward to the future, we continue to strive to become better, but not necessarily bigger, to serve our customers. We think our slogan says it best, “Quality and Knowledge Equal Value.” We appreciate your business and continued support for our company.

Remembering Our Founder

Leo J. Govert founded the original Leo’s Farm Produce and Nursery in 1979. He proudly served in the U.S. Armyduring the Korean War, and afterwards had several jobs, including beer delivery man, milk man, and postal service delivery. His vision to start working for himself and open his own business, with his family close by his side, started on April 7th, 1979. Under his tutelage there was a location change, a major business change, dropping Produce from the name, and adding pet and animal feed in 1989. Over the next 26 years changes kept on coming, including adding a bigger stockroom, new greenhouse structures and a new front facade.

Whenever you came in to shop with us you would have found Leo on the sales floor or in the warehouse straightening up and filling shelves, but never near the cash register (he disliked that machine very much). He always greeted everyone with a friendly hello, and carried on a conversation as though they had been friends forever.

Family was always a big part of his life and business, and we still continue with that vision. Many of his sons and grandsons have worked for him as well as his granddaughter, along with his wife Ann, who you can still find in the office a few days a week. With every day that passes, we miss his enthusiastic love for life and his business. We know that he is working up in the big garden in the sky looking downwith a smile as big as his personality was. Leo will be remembered by his passion for his faith, family, and business.

Leo J. Govert founded the original Leo’s Farm Produce and Nursery in 1979. He proudly served in the U.S. Armyduring the Korean War, and afterwards had several jobs, including beer delivery man, milk man, and postal service delivery. His vision to start working for himself and open his own business, with his family close by his side, started on April 7th, 1979. Under his tutelage there was a location change, a major business change, dropping Produce from the name, and adding pet and animal feed in 1989. Over the next 26 years changes kept on coming, including adding a bigger stockroom, new greenhouse structures and a new front facade.

Whenever you came in to shop with us you would have found Leo on the sales floor or in the warehouse straightening up and filling shelves, but never near the cash register (he disliked that machine very much). He always greeted everyone with a friendly hello, and carried on a conversation as though they had been friends forever.

Family was always a big part of his life and business, and we still continue with that vision. Many of his sons and grandsons have worked for him as well as his granddaughter, along with his wife Ann, who you can still find in the office a few days a week. With every day that passes, we miss his enthusiastic love for life and his business. We know that he is working up in the big garden in the sky looking downwith a smile as big as his personality was. Leo will be remembered by his passion for his faith, family, and business.

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Leo’s Mascots

Hank

Hank became Leo’s Feed and Garden Centers’ first and only official dog mascot in 1982. He always put in a diligent 40+ hours a week welcoming each customer, napping near the front counter, and his most favorite job of all, making his treat route which included visiting various homes surrounding our store. After a long day of his dog duties, he jumped up in Leo’s white van to head home. Still to this day, customers speak about fond memories of Hank and how much they loved that dog!

Smokey

Smokey thought he was the coolest cat in town. He started out as a feral cat from the very back of the store who kept making his way into our warehouse. Eventually, he became part of the Leo’s family and also the first black cat we have ever had. It was his goofy facial expressions that really opened us up to him. His stay with us was short, but we will always remember him for his gentleness.

Skiddy

Skiddy, the most recent cat to roam about the garden center. She is definitely a little rascal! Not the friendliest of cats we have had, but we love her just the same. If you’re lucky you can catch her in those rare moments when she allows you to pet her. Skiddy is also notorious for attempting to sneak away into customers’ vehicles so when you come to visit, make sure she isn’t buckled up in your back seat.

Chloe

Chloe, as you can see in this picture, was great at warming hearts. Chloe portrayed love and was one of the sweetest cats we have had the pleasure of sharing with our customers. You could always find her sleeping in the greenhouse where she loved basking in the sun. Known to be one of our friendliest cats, she loved the attention everyone gave her. Our faithful friend lived a beautiful 14 years here at Leo’s.

TIGER & GREYBEARD

These two are our current cats and stick together. They came to us as ferals (how most of them show up here), about 5 years ago. There were 3 at first but sadly one was injured somehow and did not last too long (RIP Boots). We think that they are all 3 related somehow with Tiger being the momma because she is very protective and super fat. Our greenhouse makes the perfect home for them in the winter months when it is cold, and they can sunbathe in the plants that we winter over. In the summer you can find them roaming around drinking out of fountains. They are friendly but they are also very shy.

Want to be a part of our team?
Stop by to fill out an employment application.

We take applications in March and the beginning of April. We do most of our hiring in mid-April for the entire season.
After April, you may call in to see if we have any openings.

Questions? Contact LEO’S PET • GARDEN • HOME Today!