John Chapman was a man who saw opportunity when everyone else saw garbage.Chapman had a vision, a tremendous vision for his future and
future of his country. That vision destined him to become an American folk hero.
He developed a business plan for his vision which included learning everything he could about his business, paying attention
to details, asking
local markets about their opinions, and making adjustments along
way.
In
early 1800's, John "Appleseed" Chapman would visit cider mills and spend entire days running his hands through
garbage picking out tiny apple seeds one by one.
It was dirty, dull work. But to Johnny Appleseed, those tiny seeds were as precious as rubies. His idea was to take those seeds, plant them, then sell
apple trees to settlers as they moved westward.
Chapman made himself a student of nature. He learned where
best soil was for planting. He learned his market by becoming friends with
local folks and taking
time to have them develop a trust in him.
At
time
law required each settler to plant 50 apple trees on their plot of ground. As
settlers moved further West, Appleseed kept ahead of them planting more and more seeds.
His business thrived as settlers were more than happy to pay Johnny for his pre-started seedlings. By
end of his life, Chapman had planted hundreds of orchards on thousands of acres across
American Northwest territory.