William Garner’s mission is to bridge the gap between people who want to learn more about horticulture and provide an escape for the people residing in the Bryan/College Station area. William's plan to do this is through his AGEC 425 project, Lonestar Bonsai. Lonestar Bonsai comprises of two enterprises, retail plant selling and materials, and an entertainment experience to bring together the community. Lonestar Bonsai will sell locally-sourced plants, apply the art of bonsai, host workshops for all ages, and sell a bonsai rehab service that rejuvenates the artwork of bonsai to what it was.

"To me, an entrepreneur is someone who must first dream, and then act in a manner that fulfills that dream."

William Garner is a senior planning to graduate in May of '24, from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M, with a Bachelor of Science. Born in Tyler, Texas, He spent most of his time on the family farm located in Thorndale, raising Registered Longhorns. This is where William found his love for nature, creating trails through the forest, tackling gophers in the pastures, and fishing in the tanks. Working on his land taught William life lessons and developed his appreciation for nature, ultimately leading to his decision to pursue his business idea, Lonestar Bonsai. 

How has the Rister ’74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program better prepared you for your career, and what were your biggest takeaway?

The Rister '74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program has given me real-world interactions with mentors who care for me and has propelled my confidence in myself and my work. This program has taught me more about myself and what it realistically takes to go from a dream to a feasible reality. My biggest takeaway from this program is the network of entrepreneurs that I have built and have been able to hear their stories and how they have overcome their problems.  

What advice do you have to share with aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice for an aspiring entrepreneur would be to dream big and act on your dreams.

William will be competing in the AGEC 425 Preliminary Business Pitch the week of April 22, vying for one of the spots in the semifinal round that will take place April 30, the first day of the 2024 Texas Farm Credit Entrepreneurial Dreams Symposium.