Marcia Hood

Store Manager

Marcia Hood’s connection to the local farming community dates back long before she officially joined our staff. In a testament to the deep roots of our area, Marcia recalls selling vegetables at the Madison Farmers Market in the late 1980s alongside a young Mark Ebert. At the time, Mark was representing his family’s business, Ebert’s Farm Produce, while Marcia was gaining her early experience working for Marks Farm in Oconomowoc—a popular local landmark owned by the Marks family (and notably, a different "Mark" than our own!). This shared history of early mornings at the market makes her presence at the Village today feel like a true full-circle moment.

After joining Ebert’s Greenhouse Village part-time in 2016, Marcia transitioned to her full-time role in 2024. Today, as our Store Manager, she oversees hard-goods purchasing and leads our merchandising efforts.

Marcia views her role through a lens of mentorship and hospitality. Her primary mission is to ensure the store runs seamlessly while maintaining the high "Ebert’s standards" guests have come to expect. She is passionate about creating a positive work environment and training the team to deliver a world-class experience.

One of Marcia's favorite unofficial duties is helping guests fit their new green friends into their vehicles. When a customer asks, "How will this fit in my car?", Marcia eagerly takes on the challenge.

Marcia thrives in the Village’s "family atmosphere". She values the wealth of knowledge shared among the staff and loves building lasting relationships with our customers.

Drawing on her extensive experience, Marcia believes that gardening success is rooted in mastering the fundamentals of plant care. She frequently advises guests that the most critical elements for a thriving garden are consistent watering and regular fertilizing, often providing care sheets to give them a clear roadmap for success. When it comes to long-term investments like trees, shrubs, and perennials, she strongly emphasizes the importance of using a root stimulator during the initial planting phase to help them establish a strong foundation. Above all, she stresses that keeping these new additions well-hydrated is key to ensuring they flourish in their new environment.

Outside the Village, Marcia is happiest outdoors. She loves retreating to her camper to enjoy campfires, cook great meals, and cherish time with friends. To Marcia, family and friends are the most important things in life, and she lives by the simple advice to "cherish them".

Fun Fact: Marcia is a true retail veteran, bringing an impressive 38 years of experience to our team!