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Making EDI “Boring” (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
William sits down with Grace Sharkey (from Orderful) to demystify EDI—what it is, why it still powers retail in 2025, and how growers can start simple and scale. They dig into real-world pitfalls (chargebacks, labels/UPCs, “dialects” by retailer), the API vs. EDI conversation, and why the goal is to make your data pipes so reliable...
From Grit to Growth: Building Autonomy from the Ground Up with Charlie Anderson–Episode 29
In this episode, host William Klaassen digs into the world of autonomous equipment with Charlie Anderson, CEO of Burro. From humble beginnings in an unheated barn to deploying over 500 autonomous systems globally, Charlie shares how his childhood on a working farm—and a serious distaste for hopping off tractors to weed—sparked a mission to automate...
Collaboration Over Competition: Horticulture Needs a New Software Story–Episode 28
In this engaging episode, William sits down with Adam van Wingerden from Silver Fern to unpack the unique challenges and opportunities in the horticulture software space. From the friction of change management to the power of community in greenhouse tech, this episode is full of honest insights and industry wisdom. Together, they explore: Why software...
A Legacy of Growth: Insights on Business, Culture, and Community – Episode 27
In this captivating episode, William Klaassen sits down with Angelo Petitti, a luminary in the horticulture industry with over 50 years of experience. Angelo shares insights on building trust-first leadership, fostering a community-focused business culture, and adapting to industry challenges through vertical integration and innovation. His passion for giving back and empowering others shines through,...
Drones, Data, and Dreams: Precision Horticulture Takes Flight – Episode 26
Drones, Data, and Dreams: Precision Horticulture Takes Flight – Episode 26 In this episode of the Rhyzone Podcast, host William Klaassen speaks with Kate Dodde from Dutchman Tree Farm about the intersection of agriculture and technology. Kate shares her experiences managing inventory and data at the tree farm, utilizing drones for photogrammetry, and organizing the...
Automating the Customer Experience without Losing the Relationship – Episode 25
Looking to strengthen your relationships with your customers? Need to run your garden center and horticulture business more efficiently? Struggling to find strategies to keep up with today’s competitive market? You’ll find answers here! This episode features an in-depth conversation with Mikel Lindsaar, CEO and Founder of StoreConnect, a software company based in Sydney, Australia....
Counting on the Future of Horticulture- Episode 24
A small change in efficiency in the horticulture world leads to a big impact on the bottom line. Moss Robotics is tackling one of the most common troubles nurseries of all sizes face, inventory. With a good dose of tenacity and a strong vision, Di and Shrijit are ready to make big changes to horticulture,...
The Past, Present and Future of ERP – Episode 23
The horticulture landscape has been evolving rapidly year after year, primarily driven by advancements in technology and the growing demand for sustainable practices. As these changes reshape the industry, the integration of technology like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is becoming increasingly critical for businesses looking to streamline operations and improve efficiency. To provide insight into...
The Inventory Solution with Dr. Joe Mari Maja – Episode 22
In the horticulture industry, there’s a problem that plagues every nursery. Inventory. Dr. Joe Mari Maja has a wealth of knowledge in technology that he’s using to find a solution to this ongoing quandary. From RFID tags to data collection, we’re tackling this from all angles. “This technology is coming and you need to be...
Unpacking the Value of Marketing in Horticulture with Katie Elzer-Peters & Dr. Bridget Behe – Episode 21
The horticultural marketing world is as fluid of an environment as it can get. Let Dr. Bridget Behe and Katie Elzer-Peters help you navigate the complicated world of branding, garden centers, and choice selections in our latest episode. “We are living in capitalism and this is how it all works.”—Dr. Bridget Behe Dr. Bridget Behe...
Blossoming Visions in Horticulture Marketing with Brands In Blooms – Episode 20
Horticulture and its many roots are ready for a marketing shakeup. Jeff and Jon from Brands in Blooms are trying to modernize the way businesses in the hort industry connect with consumers. With their fresh approach to making a difference for these businesses and their customers, this duo is already making waves in the gardening...
Soaring Tech in Horticulture with Frans-Peter Dechering of Corvus Drones – Episode 19
Year after year, the world of horticulture is shaped by technology. With a focus on autonomous drones and data collection, Frans-Peter Dechering (Co-Founder of Corvus Drones) is driven to make a positive impact on the future of growers and nurseries. From disease detection to inventory management, Corvus is ready to enact meaningful change for the...
Flying to New Heights in Horticulture with Bram Tijmons of PATS Drones – Episode 18
Technology in the horticulture world has been accelerating at a pace not seen since the advent of automated planting machines used for greenhouse operations around the world. Bram Tijmons from PATS Indoor Drone Solutions is no stranger to tech. While he may not come from a horticulture background, the advances he’s made in drone technology...
Voices of the Industry with Jennifer Zurko & Chris Beytes of Ball Publishing – Episode 17
Within the realm of digital media, publications such as GrowerTalks and Green Profit represent the enduring significance of print media in the industry. Jennifer Zurko and Chris Beytes, prominent personalities at Ball Publishing, contribute 50+ years of experience and knowledge as they delve into the intimate aspects of horticulture journalism and publishing. This engaging discussion...
Nature & Tech Collide with Pieter Kwaakernak from Hoogendoorn – Episode 16
For today’s growers, walking the crop and interpreting technical data go hand in hand. Pieter Kwaakernak (General Manager for Hoogendoorn America) joins us to delve into the benefits and challenges of integrating technology into greenhouse management. He highlights how sensors, automation, and data analytics are creating optimal conditions for plant growth –yet not replacing the...
Growers: The Next Generation with Laura Bryce of KPU – Episode 15
School’s back in session as Horticulture Faculty Professor, Laura Bryce, notes the educational trends and teaches us how the green industry’s ties to technology are shaping the next generation of horticulturists. Dig in to discover the key role education plays in nurturing a sustainable and thriving horticultural workforce and how you can adapt to the...
By Growers, For Growers: Exploring ERP with William Klaassen & Dr. Charlie Hall – Episode 14
The data doesn’t lie; future-proofing your horticulture business means leveraging technology and standardizing. We flip the mic on our own host, William Klaassen, and invite industry renowned economist and speaker, Dr. Charlie Hall, to lead the conversation. William and Charlie reflect on the transformative impact of data-driven decision-making, intelligent software, and integrated ERP systems –and...
The Human Side of Productivity with Ricardo Campos of Ball Seed – Episode 13
Are your people the drivers of profitability in your business? Ricardo Campos, from Ball Seed Company, takes us along on his journeys through the worlds of commercial horticulture, academic research, lighting innovations, and soil science to offer actionable insights into your workforce’s operational success. And shines light on how you can empower and motivate your...
The Plant Whisperer: Plant Empowerment 101 with Peter Van Weel – Episode 12
What are your plants telling you? Plant Empowerment pioneer, Peter Van Weel, is no stranger to the idea of branching out from traditional growing practices. He gives us a glimpse into the methodology behind this holistic mindset, simple steps you can take to enhance your growing process, and ways to tap into the natural growing...
Attract, Engage, Retain: Tap into the Power of People with Trevor Throness – Episode 11
Do you have the right people in the right seats? As an Executive Leadership Coach and Author (The Power of People Skills), Trevor has honed in on assessment tools for enhancing the self-awareness of leaders and employees, while creating a culture of belonging. We unlock the tools for attracting and retaining the best talent and...
Bugging Out on IPM with Greg Welfing of Anatis Bioprotection – Episode 10
Tech and nature collide in the world of Integrated Pest Management. Get ready to deep dive into this fascinating world and explore the powerful potential of biological controls with professional Agrologist and IPM Specialist, Greg Welfing. From natural predators and beneficials to drones and biotechnology, this episode uncovers the various holistic strategies used to keep...
Decoding the Economics of Horticulture with Dr. Charlie Hall – Episode 9
In the economics realm, Dr. Charlie Hall truly has a green thumb! Over the past 30+ years, he has grown to be the preeminent source for wisdom and guidance within the horticultural world. He joins us (as our first virtual guest) for a deep dive into the topics and tools that matter most to you...
The Psyche of the Workplace with Lindsay Benard of Dale Carnegie – Episode 8
Ready to unlock the full potential of your team? With 30+ years of experience under her belt, Lindsay Benard (Senior Corporate Trainer) is an advocate for learning how to navigate generational and cultural shifts in our workplaces –while relating to each other on a human level. Our conversation delves into how you can be a...
Innovative Groundwork with Cor Bremmer & Jack Ford of ErfGoed – Episode 7
It’s what’s underneath that counts when cultivating the foundation for an optimal growing environment. Encompassing a range of cultivation floors and water management solutions, the ErfGoed team is a global leader in complete, efficient, and easy-to-use systems. Cor Bremmer (Head of Commerce) and Jack Ford (Sales Manager USA) join us to dive into their approach...
Shifting the Finish Line with Will De Rover of Qualitree’s Continuous Improvement Department – Episode 6
There’s no time to rest on your laurels in the quest for continuous improvement. As head of this industry-leading department at Qualitree, Will De Rover is embracing change, sparking discussions, and guiding his fellow teams to collaborate on solutions that improve everyone’s daily work lives –all with a healthy dose of self-reflection, humility, and perseverance!
Wisdom of the Crowd: Nurturing Company Culture with Dave Van Belle of Van Belle Nursery – Episode 5
It’s all about the people! As President of Van Belle Nursery, Dave Van Belle is surrounded by a team that leads and grows by example. Dave relates his team-first approach, highlighting how investing in your people and developing their skills leads to mutual loyalty, confident decision-making, and free-flowing idea sharing –propelled by those closest to...
Driving Continuous Improvement with Henk Rozendaal of Qualitree – Episode 4
With a continuous improvement mindset, there is always room to grow! Henk Rozendaal, Qualitree’s Director of Process Innovation and Automation, has built a career in streamlining operations –and striving for buy-in across the teams involved in every step. Henk shares his journey to Qualitree and his practices for overall success: remaining curious, embracing change, assessing...
Family Ties in the Green Sector with Gerard Schouwenaar of Orchard Park Growers – Episode 3
For multi-generational businesses in the green sector, it’s all in the family! As a second-generation Owner/Manager of Orchard Park Growers, Gerard Schouwenaar exemplifies the balance between effective succession planning and fostering the professional development of his own children who have active roles within the company. Culture, leadership, and core values drive this conversation. “I’d be...
State of the Horticultural Industry with Jim Kennedy of Ball Seed – Episode 2
Much like the plants produced, the world of horticulture is a living, breathing entity. Growers and suppliers must be adaptive, leveraging sales and operational data to make informed decisions and offering the best plant for every end consumer. As Sales Director of Ball Seed, Jim Kennedy is always on the pulse of this dynamic industry....
Welcome to Rhyzone – Episode 1
The Horticultural Industry stems from a community of learning, sharing, and growing. Brought to you by the team at Qualitree, the Rhyzone Podcast brings together guests from all walks of the Green Sector. In this introductory conversation, William Klaassen and Tony Van Oort discuss the vision for the podcast, reveal the story behind the name,...
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From Data to Decisions: How AI is Taking Root in Greenhouse Operations | Episode 31
In this episode, host William Klaassen sits down with Brian Sparks, Editor of Greenhouse Grower, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the greenhouse industry — and how growers can take their first steps. From data collection to practical efficiency gains, Brian shares insights from industry surveys showing a growing curiosity about AI, even among...