MASON CITY — A Charles City couple who turned a hometown opportunity into nearly two decades of business growth has been named the June 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month by the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC.
Jeff and Lori Otto, owners of Otto’s Oasis in Charles City, received the recognition for their work growing and adapting the longtime local business, which operates as a full-service florist, greenhouse, landscaping company and gift shop.
The Ottos purchased Otto’s Oasis in 2007 and have continued building the business around flowers, plants, landscaping, gifts and services for customers celebrating life’s happy moments, marking special occasions or needing support during difficult times.
“After almost 20 years, I’m still excited to get up in the morning and come to work,” Jeff said.
Jeff’s Charles City roots helped bring the couple back to North Iowa. After working for a large landscaping business in Chicago, he saw an opportunity to return home when Otto’s Oasis became available.
“I always wanted to come back to my hometown where I knew people and knew we could succeed in a business,” Jeff said.
For Lori, business ownership was not something she originally expected.
“I never dreamt of being a business owner. I would have never in a million years thought I would own a business,” Lori said. “But when the opportunity came up and it was Jeff’s hometown, we thought, what a great way to get back.”
Since then, Otto’s Oasis has become deeply connected to the Charles City community. Jeff and Lori said that community involvement has been one of the keys to keeping a rural business strong.
“I think our secret sauce to being a successful business in a rural community is actually being a part of the community,” Jeff said. “I’m on the city council. We try to help other organizations and donations and just be part of clubs. Just being active in the community really helps.”
The business has also faced major challenges over the years, including economic shifts, traffic disruption from a bridge closure, hailstorms and flooding.
“We’ve been hit with a lot of natural disasters,” Jeff said. “You’ve just got to get up and keep going every day and keep moving forward.”
Lori said community support during those difficult times showed how much Otto’s Oasis meant to others.
“When we had the flood in 2008 and then later on the potential was coming on for another one, the community showed up for us,” Lori said. “We didn’t ask anybody. They just came in. They helped us move things. And they all came back after the disaster. And just to know that people care that much about you when you don’t even ask has been very overwhelming in a good way for me.”
The Ottos have also continued using the NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC as a business resource over the years.
“We’ve always stayed in touch with the Pappajohn Center for feedback, some answers to questions, and they’re very supportive in helping us through some difficult times,” Jeff said.
He said the center has helped them think through business strategies and encouraged other entrepreneurs to take advantage of available support.
“I’ve recommended people to the Pappajohn Center, and I tell them it’s good to have someone in your corner behind you that you can always turn to and get a different opinion on matters, or guide you in the direction you need to go,” Jeff said.
After nearly 20 years, Jeff and Lori said they continue to find purpose in serving customers and remaining active in the community that has supported them.
“There’s struggles and tough times,” Jeff said. “But we’ve always made it through.”
Lori said the experience has also changed how she sees herself.
“I have learned about myself that I’m stronger than I thought I would be,” Lori said. “And I can do things that I never thought possible.”
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC provide counseling, training and business resources for new and existing entrepreneurs across North Iowa, from Main Street businesses to larger industry leaders.