FONDA— Montgomery County is proud to recognize 13 Petals Roadside Stand, located at 23 Mergner Road in Fort Johnson, as July’s Small Business of the Month. Open seasonally, 13 Petals has become a popular stop for fresh local goods, floral arrangements, and festive décor — all curated with care by owners Jason and Charlotte Ludwin.
What began as a modest front-yard display has grown into a thriving small business with a loyal following. The Ludwins, both of whom work full-time jobs, manage the stand in their spare time. Their journey began about three years ago, when Charlotte’s love of fall and pumpkins led to elaborate seasonal decorations outside their home. Curious passersby assumed the items were for sale — and the idea for the business was born.
Since then, Jason transformed a storage shed into a charming roadside shop, and the business has steadily grown. Today, 13 Petals offers a variety of locally grown and sourced items that change with the seasons — from spring blooms and summer produce to fall mums and pumpkins. During the holidays, they reopen for Black Friday and stay open through mid-December, selling handcrafted kissing balls, wreaths and Christmas trees.
The stand also recently expanded into fresh flower arrangements, offering even more variety to its over 150 regular customers. Their seasonal approach and commitment to sourcing locally have made 13 Petals a staple in the community.
“I’m proud to be nominated. We love what we do here and are glad to offer another way for local products to be purchased in our community,” said Jason Ludwin.
“13 Petals represents everything we love about small businesses in Montgomery County,” said County Executive Pete Vroman. “Jason and Charlotte’s commitment to the community have turned a simple idea into roadside stand you won’t want to miss.”
“Businesses like 13 Petals are built from the ground up and we’re proud to see them thrive,” said Ken Rose, director of the Montgomery County Business Development Center.
13 Petals is open seasonally from Mother’s Day through mid-October, then reopens for the holiday season from Black Friday through mid-December. Current hours are Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To see their latest offerings, follow them on Facebook.
The Small Business of the Month initiative recognizes local Montgomery County businesses that are making a difference in the community. Anyone wishing to nominate a deserving small business for recognition next month should contact the Montgomery County Business Development Center at 518-853-8334 or email vnicosia2@co.montgomery.ny.us with a brief note about the positive impact the company is making on the community. Nominations can also be submitted by sharing a post and tagging the business on the Business Development Center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Photo Caption (below): From left, Director of Program Development Vincenzo Nicosia, Owner of 13 Petals Roadside Stand Jason Ludwin, County Executive Peter Vroman at 13 Petals Roadside Stand, Fort Johnson recognized as Montgomery County’s July Small Business of the Month.
ABOUT MCBDC
Montgomery County Business Development Center (MCBDC) provides professional economic development assistance to businesses interested in expanding or relocating to Montgomery County. It offers real estate solutions, financial assistance, and incentives, as well as business development and technical assistance. MCBDC acts as the county’s Department of Economic Development & Planning, the Industrial Development Agency, and Capital Resource Corporation. To learn more visit www.MontgomeryCountyWorks.com.