Greenhouse Grower to Grower

Ep.47 - Awards, Top 100, and Events: An Update From Greenhouse Grower

In this episode of Greenhouse Grower, you can learn more about California Spring Trials, Greenhouse Grower’s Top 100 program, and how to nominate a grower for our Medal of Excellence awards. Plus, get a recap of the 10th annual BioSolutions Conference. 

Ep.46 - Ken Littrell on Leadership, Communication, and Motivating Your Greenhouse Team

Ken Littrell grew up on a family farm, and since then he’s worked in and out of floriculture, including spending time with some of the industry’s leading growing operations. He specializes in leadership development, change management, and how to build a better team through transparency and communication. In my recent conversation with Ken, we talked about everything from how to keep your team motivated and mission-focused during the busy spring season, to how the best leaders lead by example. Here’s our conversation.

Ep.45 - An Update on Seed Your Future With Jazmin Albarran

Jazmin Albarran is the Executive Director of Seed Your Future, an organization focused on educating young people about plants, as well as developing the next generation of industry leaders. I recently caught up with Jazmin to learn more about how Seed Your Future has evolved since its formation in 2014, and in particular in the last four years under her leadership, and what it is in the works for 2025. Here’s my conversation. 

Ep.44 - Michael Maggiotto on How to Protect Your People and Your Company Amid Immigration Enforcement

The current chaos around the nation’s immigration policy is creating high levels of uncertainty for employees and employers alike. The green industry relies on immigrant labor to fill critical roles responsible for planting, growing, cultivating, harvesting, packaging, and shipping plant products to clients and customers alike. Many of the supporting inputs, tools, and services to the industry also rely on this labor force. With all the uncertainty, what should employers do? In this episode of Greenhouse Grower to Grower, we talk to Michael Maggiotto, Director of Human Resource Solutions at BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group, about how you can take care of your people first and your business second, as well as the questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to employee documentation. Here's our conversation. 

Ep.43 - The Face Behind Buglady Consulting: or Why Suzanne Wainwright-Evans’ Obsession With Insects Is Contagious

There’s probably no one more knowledgeable on the ins and outs of biological products and how they work in the greenhouse than Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, also known as The Buglady. Suzanne has offered her insights and advice at several industry conferences and workshops, and she’s also written articles for trade publications such as Greenhouse Grower. She provides hands-on training for growers as well as garden retailers, and she does it all through her business, Buglady Consulting, which she started 25 years ago. In my recent conversation with Suzanne, I was fortunate to learn even more, including how her obsession with insects began she was in middle school, why there’s still a lot the industry still needs to learn when it comes to biocontrols, and how failure can often lead to innovation. Here's our conversation. 

Ep.42 - How Jason Wenninger Leads His Team by Example at Ebert’s Greenhouse

Jason Wenninger of Ebert’s Greenhouse in Ixonia, WI, was a finalist for Greenhouse Grower’s Head Grower of the Year award in 2024. When I reached out to Jason about being a guest on this podcast, I should not have been surprised when he asked if his whole growing team could be included. I learned quickly why he wanted this. During our conversation, it became clear that despite their different responsibilities in the greenhouse, they had two main goals: One, to work together as a cohesive team, and two, to take on any challenges that came their way, whether that’s adding a new variety or adapting their pest scouting program. Here’s my conversation with Jason and the growing team at Ebert’s Greenhouse. 

Ep.41 - Up Close and Personal With Dr. Allan Armitage

Dr. Allan Armitage is a familiar name to many in the greenhouse industry. He’s been a professor, trial manager, consultant, and so much more. He’s written several books that highlight his love of plants, he takes plant lovers on virtual garden tours on his Facebook page, and he’s been a Greenhouse Grower contributing editor, columnist, and advisor for more than 40 years. But he’s never been a podcast guest – until now. I recently sat down with Allan for an in-depth conversation about how he developed his passion for plants and gardening, how growers and retailers can better connect and learn from consumers, and more. Here’s our conversation, and your chance to get to know the man under the hat just a little better.
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Ep.40 - Hoffman Nursery Heads Into 2025 With Big Plans and New Leadership

Hoffman Nursery is headed into 2025 with a few changes in leadership. Second-generation family member David Hoffman takes the reins as CEO of Hoffman Nursery, and he’s joined by Craig Reynolds, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. These leadership changes come at a pivotal time as Hoffman Nursery continues to strengthen its position as an industry leader, focusing on expanding its product offerings, embracing sustainable practices, and maintaining strong customer relationships. I caught up with David and Craig right before Christmas, when we talked about the transition, and what the company has planned for the coming year. Here’s our conversation.