From data collection to practical efficiency gains, Brian shares insights from industry surveys showing a growing curiosity about AI, even among those who haven’t yet adopted it. Together, they explore what AI really means in horticulture, how it’s already at work in automation and data analysis, and what opportunities — and cautions — lie ahead.

This conversation offers a clear, practical roadmap for growers who want to understand AI without the hype, and start exploring how it can enhance decisions, streamline operations, and capture hard-won knowledge before it walks out the door.

Key Takeaways

• AI adoption is growing — slowly but steadily. While few growers report using AI today, more than 80% say they’re open to exploring it.
• Define AI broadly. From algorithms and automation to data-driven insights, AI in horticulture spans far more than just ChatGPT.
• Data is the foundation. Even simple data collection today sets the stage for future automation and analysis.
• Start small and safe. Try using AI tools like GPTs for writing, organization, or training before applying them to operations.
• Education and community matter. Growers are forming “AI clubs” to learn and experiment together — and that collaboration could accelerate the whole industry’s growth.
• Mind the risks. Data privacy and ownership remain critical topics; AI should enhance, not replace, human expertise.

Brian Sparks is the Editor of Greenhouse Grower, where he oversees both print and digital editorial planning focused on greenhouse technology, production, varieties, and business management. He has been with Meister Media Worldwide since 2000 and previously served as Managing Editor for several of the company’s brands. Brian holds a communications degree from John Carroll University.

Follow Brian on LinkedIn

"“We take care of the boring so you can focus on modern workflows powered by clean data.” — Grace

What you’ll learn

• EDI, in plain English: standardized, machine-to-machine document exchange between trading partners (orders, invoices, ASNs, acknowledgements), not just “emailing PDFs.”
• Why big retailers insist on it: reliability, security, and volume—so you can “play with the big box stores.”
• Five business wins: access to enterprise customers, effortless scale, hardened security, automation you can trust, and real-time financial visibility.
• Standards vs. dialects: an “invoice” from Retailer A ≠ Retailer B—guidelines vary; getting them right prevents costly chargebacks.
• APIs + EDI together: modern stacks use APIs to make EDI setup faster and more transparent (no black box), with clear error handling.
• Start where you are: portal-based workflows can bridge the gap before full end-to-end automation with your ERP.

Memorable quotes

• “Make it boring. Once it’s live, EDI should feel like autopilot.” — William
• “We take care of the boring so you can focus on modern workflows powered by clean data.” — Grace
• “Standardize, then automate. Automation doesn’t fix broken processes.” — Grace

Practical takeaways for growers

• New to EDI? Start with a portal workflow to receive orders and send invoices; graduate to API/ERP integration when volume justifies it.
• Hate chargebacks? Treat each retailer’s guidelines like a unique dialect; validate mappings and labels up front.
• Mind the labels: Centralize UPCs/retailer specs—stop hand-typing. Penalties can dwarf the order margin.
• Watch your cash: Track acknowledgements and remittance signals to forecast receipts in real time.
• Plan for breaks: Align with partners who surface errors clearly and fix fast—like having a reliable “plumber” on call.

Connect

Guest: Grace Sharkey — Orderful

Host: William Klaassen — Aster Software

Charlie unpacks the hard truths about innovation in agriculture: the challenges of scaling autonomy in heterogeneous environments, why big manufacturers are slow to adapt, and how Burro is building a platform for safe, smart mobility near people—indoors and out. 

Whether you're in tech, horticulture, or just love seeing robots make life easier, this episode offers both grounded insight and forward-looking vision on the future of work in agriculture. 

“A great robot is really boring—it just does the thing.” – Charlie Anderson 

Charlie Anderson shares his remarkable journey—from growing up on a Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable farm to working at Case New Holland and ultimately founding Burro. He explains why specialty crops are the most promising entry point for automation—not because they’re the largest markets, but because they carry the heaviest labor demands. 

Charlie describes how Burro quite literally started building autonomy from the ground up, testing small vehicles in tough real-world environments, and learning how to handle obstacles, regulations, and even standoffs with curious border collies. 

They explore how Burro has evolved from simple towing carts to a robust product lineup that includes spraying, mowing, and patrolling, all while staying true to a “platform, not vertical” vision—allowing growers and partners to layer their own innovations on top. The conversation highlights creative ways growers are adapting Burro for everything from security to logistics, showing the flexibility of a system designed to scale across diverse operations. 

Looking ahead, Charlie offers insights into how generative AI is reshaping the autonomy landscape, why the best robots are the most “boring” (in a good way), and what’s next for Burro as they prepare for massive growth.  

Charlie’s book recommendation: The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail by Clayton Christensen  

🚜 Learn more about Burro: www.burro.ai 

Together, they explore: 

• Why software gets a bad reputation in horticulture 
•  
• The deep-rooted collaboration that sets this industry apart 
• Stories of growth and shared ethos between tech providers 
• How software is impacting growers in meaningful, measurable ways 

Key Takeaways 

• Collaboration is the secret sauce: Both William and Adam reflect on how unlike other industries (like construction or manufacturing), horticulture is marked by generosity and mutual support—even between competitors. 
• Change is hard—but worth it: The conversation dives into why software adoption can be so tough, and why it’s critical to pair technology with effective change management and training. 
• Shared ethos = Shared success: Adam and William highlight how working toward a common goal for growers—not just sales—helps build community and trust between software providers. 

If you’ve ever struggled with software that promised the world but delivered frustration, this episode is for you. Adam and William pull back the curtain on why tech adoption is tough in horticulture—and how collaboration, not complexity, is the key to real growth. 

Follow on LinkedIn:

Adam van Wingerden | Silver Fern

William Klaassen | Aster Software

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, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

This conversation dives into the heart of what makes a business thrive: culture, innovation, and treating people with respect and care.

Key Topics Discussed:

• From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader: Angelo's inspiring journey from working odd jobs after immigrating from Italy to establishing one of the largest garden center chains in Ohio.
• Building a Strong Company Culture: Insights into Angelo's philosophy of treating employees and customers with empathy and empowering his team to make decisions.
• The Power of Vertical Integration: How growing their own products and controlling the supply chain has been a game-changer for Petitti Garden Centers.
• Commitment to Community: Angelo’s passion for giving back, including donating plants to churches and charities, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
• Challenges in the Horticulture Industry: Angelo highlights the significant capital and time investments required in the nursery business and discusses how technology is shaping the future.
• Consolidation and Succession: Exploring the industry's shift toward larger players due to a lack of succession plans and the high cost of entry for new businesses.
• Lessons in Leadership: The importance of listening to employees, maintaining a hands-on approach, and fostering a culture of low-cost production and innovation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Treat people as you would treat yourself. If it was you, how would you solve the problem?" – Angelo Petitti
• "Making a profit is fun. It allows you to invest in your people, your facilities, and your community."
• "The greatest gift you can give your kids is teaching them how to work."

About Angelo:

Angelo Petitti, the son of a farmer and nephew of an avid gardener, immigrated to the United States in 1963 at the age of 16 from Faeto, a small mountain village with a population of 600 in southeast Italy.  For 3 years, he worked at Pick-n-Pay Supermarket, and as a busboy at a local restaurant, to support himself while attending Kent State University night classes to pursue political science.  Angelo also leveraged his innate sense of the land to do part-time landscaping and eventually, his interest in horticulture became his full-time passion.

In 1966, Angelo started Petitti Landscape Company. His brother, Domenico, joined him and they bought an oversized garage in 1969 in Oakwood Village to store their trucks, landscape equipment and plant material.  Soon, passersby began to visit, inquiring about the plants inspiring Angelo to open the first Petitti Garden Center on site of the old garage on April 15, 1971.

Today, Angelo Petitti owns nine garden centers in Lake Country, Ohio, plus a 10th store opening Spring 2025.  Angelo has invested in over 4,000 acres of nursery land where over 3 million trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses are grown and cultivated, serving landscapers and wholesale plant customers region wide.

With over 45 years of experience as a garden center owner, and 28 years as a grower, Angelo Petitti has gained valuable plant knowledge, which he loves to share through the media. Thousands of gardening enthusiasts tune in each week to Gardening with Angelo, Saturdays on WTAM 1100, where Angelo answers callers’ gardening questions.  Each week on News Channel 5, Angelo and meteorologist Mark Johnson tackle timely gardening issues for viewers.

Resources Mentioned:

• Angelo's radio show: Gardening with Angelo
• Petitti Garden Centers: petittigardencenter.com

Connect with Us:

• Guest: Angelo Petitti
  • Linked In
  • Petitti Garden Centers
• Host: William Klaassen
  • LinkedIn 
  • Aster Software
• Rhyzone, the Horticulture Leaders Podcast

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 farm's drone program.

They discuss the evolution of using drones for inventory management—from early photogrammetry efforts to emerging LiDAR technologies. Kate explains how drones help with accurate tree counts, height measurements, and even how they navigate the challenge of integrating different data types from various departments.

Kate and William also dive into the future potential of AI and machine learning in farming, with dreams of ultimate precision agriculture where drones and sensors identify issues and solutions in real-time. Kate provides a firsthand look at the everyday challenges faced in adopting and integrating new technology on the farm and highlights the importance of staying adaptable.

Key Topics Covered:

• Inventory Management Challenges: Kate talks about the struggle of gathering data from different sources—spreadsheets, hand-drawn maps, and manual updates—and how technology is helping centralize information.
• Using Drones for Inventory: She explains how Dutchman Tree Farm uses drones for photogrammetry to measure tree heights and count inventory efficiently. 
• Emerging Technologies: The discussion moves towards newer technologies such as LiDAR, RFID tagging, and AI. Kate shares her excitement about how affordable LiDAR and other tech advances are becoming more accessible to farmers like herself.
• The Human Element in Technology Integration: Despite technological advances, Kate emphasizes the need for human input—data scrubbing, manual attribute tagging, and practical field applications.
• The Future of Farming Tech: Kate's vision includes ultimate precision agriculture, where drones and AI streamline farm management, helping farmers identify and resolve issues as soon as they arise.

If you're fascinated by how traditional farming is evolving with cutting-edge technology, this episode is for you. Kate's insights provide a unique glimpse into the realities of agricultural tech adoption—from flying drones over Christmas trees to her hopes for AI-enabled farming. Whether you’re into drones, agriculture, or just curious about how AI is transforming industries, this conversation brings together innovation and practicality in a very down-to-earth way.

"Technology forced us to face our messy data and start organizing it better, bringing everything together." - Kate Dodde

Links & Resources:

• Kate Dodde
  • LinkedIn
• Dutchman Tree Farm
  • LinkedIn
  • Website
• Rhyzone Podcast
  • Website
• Aster Software
  • Website
  • LinkedIn

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.

Mikel helps small businesses grow big. He is an expert in software, and the mastermind behind many of the software used today. To date, his software has received more than a billion downloads. Mikel also specializes in customer commerce and business growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Mikel’s motivation for launching a new commerce system on the Salesforce platform
• What professionals in the horticulture industry need to know about CMS, point of sale, and e-commerce.
• New tools and technology to help garden centers improve business operations on one single platform
• Challenges with handling data
• How garden centers can compete with Amazon
• Plus, an introduction to Mikel’s new book: The Customer Commerce

Episode Links: 

StoreConnect: https://getstoreconnect.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storeconnect 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoreConnectHQ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCngKdP2x8l1wcbAKW3tvU8g 

X: https://twitter.com/storeconnecthq  

Key Words:

Salesforce

StoreConnect

iQ Grower ERP

eCommerce

customer experience

customer relationship management

automation

data

garden centers

horticulture business

Di Hu, CEO of moss robotics, is on a mission to reduce the labor-intensive aspects of farming and revolutionize the way growers make decisions. By providing data-driven insights from the field, she helps growers minimize guesswork and make more informed choices. Before founding moss, Di studied at Occidental College and Caltech, and earned a master’s degree in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. Her dream is to one day have a garden robot that will grow her daily vegetables.

Shrijit Singh, CTO of moss robotics, is a seasoned full-stack roboticist with expertise in state estimation, localization, SLAM, and robot perception. With a Master's degree in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon, Shrijit brings a wealth of experience in diverse robotic applications. His portfolio includes work on autonomous vehicles, warehouse robots, unmanned ground vehicles, and drones.

Be the first to experience the future of tree inventory management: 

https://www.moss.ag/#pilot

"You can not buy time, just do it." —Jan Baan

Jan Baan is a prominent Dutch entrepreneur and venture capitalist, best known for his role as the founder of the Baan Company, a pioneering enterprise in the development of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Under his leadership, the Baan Company became a global force in the software industry, providing integrated solutions that transformed business operations worldwide. After selling Baan Company, Jan embarked on a new venture, founding Cordys, which focused on delivering web-based ERP products and streamlining business processes for the digital era. Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to innovation and technology, Jan continues to build on his legacy with Rappit, a company dedicated to redefining business process automation and efficiency for modern enterprises.

For more about Jan:

Web: https://rappit.io/

LinkedIn:Jan Baan

"This technology is coming and you need to be prepared for it." —Dr. Joe Mari Maja

Dr. Joe Mari Maja is a Senior Researcher and Director of the Center of Applied AI for Sustainable Agriculture at South Carolina State University's 1890 Research & Extension, Public Service, and Agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Science from Tohoku University, Japan, and an MBA from Clemson University.

Dr. Maja specializes in advanced sensor technologies, automation, and robotics for agriculture, with a focus on using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for nursery inventory management. His innovative integration of RFID with drones has optimized inventory tracking and plant management, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of nursery operations.

Beyond RFID, Dr. Maja is also an expert in spectral analysis, small-unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and wireless IoT technologies for sustainable agriculture. He has led numerous funded projects and is widely published, contributing significantly to advancing AI and automation in agriculture. https://scsu.oudeve.com/faculty/joe_mari_maja.php For articles, templates, and expert advice, browse the Professional Leadership Institute’s Resources.

"We are living in capitalism and this is how it all works." —Dr. Bridget Behe

Dr. Bridget Behe is a distinguished professor in horticultural marketing at Michigan State University. With a wealth of experience in consumer behavior and marketing within the green industry, she has published numerous articles and conducted extensive research on improving retail sales and marketing strategies for horticultural products. Bridget investigates the consumer preferences, perceptions, and purchases of horticultural crops, both edible and ornamental. Most exciting is her collaborative work with eye-tracking glasses to better understand what consumers see and what they ignore in ads, displays, and the shopping experience. She thanks the Horticultural Research Institute for their partnership in funding much of her horticulture marketing research. She is known for her engaging presentations and practical insights, making her a valuable guest on our podcast. Looking for more Dr. Behe? Follow these links!

https://msu.edu/ https://www.hriresearch.org/ https://www.connect-2-consumer.com/ Katie Elzer-Peters is an accomplished writer, editor, and garden communicator with over two decades of experience in the horticulture industry. As the founder of The Garden of Words, LLC, she specializes in content creation and marketing for gardening and landscaping businesses. Katie is an author of several gardening books and a regular contributor to various horticultural publications. She is a natural collaborator and we have enjoyed many engaging discussions with her over the past few years, so are excited to highlight her expertise in digital marketing and engaging storytelling on our podcast! Looking for more Katie? Follow these links!

https://thegardenofwords.com/ https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=26933

"We are passionate about helping garden centers connect with the new generations." —Jeff O’Brien

Jeff O’Brien, an MBA graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University, is a marketing and horticulture thought leader. As Director of Sales at Van Belle Nursery, he led a team that doubled the business in five years. Jeff's expertise in consumer behavior and garden center marketing drives his current role as a business coach and the visionary behind Brands in Blooms, where he's dedicated to helping businesses flourish. Jon Morrison, an MBA graduate from Trinity Western University, brings a wealth of expertise in branding, marketing, and software to the team. As a Certified StoryBrand Guide, he excels in crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, demonstrating a keen insight into market trends and consumer behavior.

Brands in Blooms believes gardening is for everyone and is on a mission to connect garden centers with a new generation. Passionate about breaking down barriers that have traditionally kept younger generations from discovering the joys of gardening, they update marketing strategies, reimagine retail spaces, and harness the power of social media to create a welcoming environment for all, regardless of experience level.

For more about Brands In Blooms:

Web: https://brandsinblooms.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brands-in-blooms/

"Green fingers are nice, but plant data is the best" —Frans-Peter Dechering

Frans-Peter Dechering is the Co-Founder of Corvus Drones. He has invested in multiple biotech startups and co-founded GreenTech Amsterdam. After successful divestments, he co-founded Corvus Drones in 2019. He aims to make drone technology accessible and cost-effective for all crops and growers. Today, Corvus Drones serves numerous breeders, young plant producers, and growers globally.

Corvus Drones specializes in autonomous drone technology and data collection for greenhouse horticulture. Winner of the GreenTech Amsterdam Innovation Award 2021, their vision is to digitize every individual plant in greenhouses worldwide. Their drones enable comprehensive crop monitoring from seedling to harvest or delivery, accurately mapping germination from initial sprout to first leaves. 

Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

“…what I believe is that we are in such need of certain solutions to keep those very difficult pests in check, that if we can do it in this kind of ‘clean way’ it would already be so helpful…” —Bram Tijmons

Bram Tijmons is co-founder at PATS, and active in the cross section of horticulture, IPM, insects and high-tech for 7+ years. He holds a Master in Business Administration, and is the driving force in the commercialization of PATS solutions to make IPM more sustainable and efficient. He's convinced the future of IPM is a symbiosis between Biology and Technology. 

PATS Indoor Drone Solutions: PATS is a tech startup from Delft, The Netherlands. The company is revolutionizing IPM in horticulture by bringing affordable and bio-inspired solutions. What started out with bat-like drones taking out pests in an early stage, has evolved into a suite of modular solutions enabling growers globally to tackle airborne pest monitoring and control completely and sustainably. The team is on a mission to replace insecticides and reduce risks of crop damages for growers, independent of crop and pest type. For more information visit: www.pats-drones.com. 

“... If we didn't love horticulture and support our growers, we'd be out of business quickly. So you want to build relationships, we want to see everyone we interview be successful.” –Chris Beytes

Jennifer Zurko is Editor of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines. Even though she has a sports journalism degree from Northern Illinois University and thought she’d be a sideline reporter for some sports team, she’s been in the horticulture industry for 20 years. Jen may have interviewed a couple of highly paid major league athletes during her sports-writing days, but she considers herself lucky that she’s been adopted into such a great industry with great people. In 2023, Jen earned a Garden Comm Award for her story on succession planning at Kube-Pak, a growing operation in Allentown, New Jersey. 

Chris Beytes is Editor-in-Chief of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines and author of the widely read weekly e-newsletter, Acres Online, which reaches nearly 27,000 horticulture industry members in 66 countries. Chris is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in journalism and a minor in ornamental horticulture. A former Florida greenhouse owner with his wife, Laurie, Chris has been with Ball Publishing since 1993. In that position, he travels the U.S. and the world to stay current on the latest horticultural production, marketing, and retailing technologies and trends. Highlights of his career (thus far) include interviewing King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and emceeing (seven times) the International Grower of the Year awards in Germany.

Ball Publishing: Since 1937, Ball Publishing has provided the horticulture industry with the best, most up-to-date information on the latest crops, culture, and innovations. Their media includes GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines, newsletters, online resources, videos, and webinars.

Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

“Technology and new developments you have to see as an opportunity to do better; to do better as a grower, to have more acreage under your control, to do things more efficiently, and most of all, have more fun in what you’re doing…” –Pieter Kwaakernak

Pieter Kwaakernak is a seasoned professional with over two decades of expertise in the horticulture sector. He currently holds the role as General Manager at Hoogendoorn and is responsible for the Canadian market. 

Pieter's profound connection to horticulture traces back to his roots. Hailing from a family of farmers in Friesland, NL, he embarked on his educational journey in the Netherlands at AOC Terra in Frederiksoord, where he earned his degree in Plant Production and Management. Pieter’s pursuit of knowledge led him to further studies in Deventer and culminated in a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and International Business from Larenstein University in Wageningen.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Pieter remains an active advocate for sustainable horticulture practices. He believes in the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing to address the challenges facing the industry, such as climate change and resource constraints.

Hoogendoorn Growth Management is a leading player in the field of horticulture technology and many of the greenhouses in Ontario, BC, and Quebec are using Hoogendoorn climate control solutions such as the IIVO climate control system (a system that Pieter played a vital role in introducing to the Canadian horticulture landscape).

To learn more about Plant Empowerment, visit plantempowerment.com, and LetsGrow.com (proud founders and Implementation Partners of the Plant Empowerment community).

Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

“Getting aligned with a company that has lots of opportunity to grow, good training, and mentorship is really really important to build that confidence [for horticulture graduates]” –Laura Bryce

Laura Bryce is a horticulture educator at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Plant Health, which complements her more than 22 years in the crop production industry. In addition to working at KPU, Laura has worked with Flowers Canada Growers and the BC Landscape and Nursery Association on integrated pest management projects and also spent many years growing hydroponic vegetables. In her spare time, she enjoys being in nature, reading books, and watching true crime documentaries. 

Hiring in horticulture? Connect with Kwantlen Polytechnic University students eager to join your team: KPU Careers

Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

“Our industry, in particular, is data rich but information poor. We have tons of data but we don’t necessarily know how to intelligently make decisions from that data.” –Dr. Charlie Hall

Aster Software provides and implements powerful tools and strategies to take businesses to the next level. By solving pain points with easy-to-use and adaptable systems, Aster reignites the spark of joy felt when growing professionals (like you!) can find clarity from the IT chaos and focus on what you do best: growing your plants, expanding your business, and empowering your team. Visit astersoftwaregroup.com for the full story.

iQ Grower ERP is Aster Software’s complete software package. With iQ Grower ERP’s unique approach, solutions to complex nursery issues become clear. Take control with an all-in-one, cloud-based system that grows with your live goods: product code management to match your inventory’s life cycles, crop grade and specification tracking, live product availability, and so much more…

For more about William, visit our About page.

Revisit Charlie’s episode, Decoding the Economics of Horticulture, on your favorite platform.

Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

“That which can be measured can be improved. And that which is measured and rewarded is optimized.” –Ricardo Campos

Ricardo Campos was recognized early in his career by Greenhouse Grower Magazine as one of the “Forty Under 40” leaders for his many contributions to the industry. He currently works for Ball Seed Company, leading the LED revolution sweeping across North America and Latin America, and bringing new technologies, such as GreenPlugs, to growers focused on increasing net profits.  

He was recruited into the horticultural industry by the Paul Eck Ranch and quickly became an industry leader. Ricardo championed efforts to introduce tools such as Bonzi, Imidacloprid, anti-thrips screening, sanitation protocols, and other important innovations. Ricardo is a natural leader and has had an impressive trajectory in the management of horticultural enterprises.

Ricardo has a degree in Agronomy and Pest Management from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona and started his career in research at the University of California Riverside where he co-authored important papers on the use of Biorational Pesticides, beneficial insects, and pesticide degradation on strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, and other important crops. He currently serves in the prestigious Ellison Chair at Texas A&M University. His understanding of onshore and offshore farm management, large-scale stock production, propagation, finishing, logistics, and sales, have played a key role in every successful project conducted under his leadership.  

Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

“The idea is that once you see how the plant reacts…then you can start thinking about what can I do to improve this, and then you are really on the path of using plant empowerment for what it’s meant for…” –Peter Van Weel

Plant Empowerment is an integrated approach to the cultivation process that is based on the natural vigor of plants and uses physiological and physical principles instead of “green thumbs” and feeling. Moreover, Plant Empowerment is universally applicable for all crops, all occurring climate zones, and various types of greenhouses. For more about Plant Empowerment, visit: plantempowerment.academy or plantempowerment.com 

Peter Van Weel had a rich, 42-year career as a researcher at Wageningen University and Research, developing various innovative systems that are common in today’s greenhouses, such as the ebb and flood watering, roof cleaning, movable benches, and aquaponics systems. Together with Jan Voogt, he developed the climate control strategy “Aircokas” based on monitoring stomatal behavior and optimizing photosynthesis that is described in a patent and an ISHS publication (2008). After his retirement in 2016, he started the private company Weel.Invent to develop integrated, robust, low-investment, and uncomplicated production systems for greenhouse cultivation.

“You get the people you deserve. So I think it all starts with: Who am I? Do I have the right attitudes? Am I someone that people would want to work for? Because the business is just a reflection of you personally.” –Trevor Throness

Trevor Throness works as a veteran coach, speaker, and consultant who specializes in working with growing businesses (from 1 million – 1 billion dollars in sales), helping them resolve the challenges that always come with fast growth. Trevor has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, organizations, and business families fix people problems, enhance communication, attract top talent, and build exceptional cultures.

Trevor is the author of the book: The Power of People Skills, released by Career Press NY in September 2017. The Power of People Skills helps leaders permanently fix chronic people problems. Trevor has written for or been featured in The Globe and Mail, the New York Post, Inc., Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Chief Executive magazines, as well as numerous podcasts and interviews.

Trevor is also the CEO and Senior Instructor for the business education website: professionalleadershipinstitute.com and creator of the DISC Personalities Assessment tool.

For articles, templates, and expert advice, browse the Professional Leadership Institute’s Resources.

For more about Trevor:

Web: trevorthroness.com

LinkedIn: Trevor Throness

“It takes a lot of thought, it takes a lot of knowledge on your pest biology; and all of those things have to come up in conversation when you’re developing a pest plan.” –Greg Welfing

As a professional Agrologist, IPM Specialist, and sales technician for Anatis Bioprotection, Greg is the go-to guy for helping growers develop their IPM strategies. He consults with nursery teams to understand their needs and environmental pressures before presenting insects (a.k.a. beneficials) as options for their biological control programs, all with the overall goal of helping the grower in the best way possible.

Based in Quebec, Canada, Anatis Bioprotection is a leader in producing and distributing insects, mites, beneficial nematodes, and biopesticides. They offer effective ecological solutions to control insects and pests in horticultural, greenhouse, and agricultural crops –no matter the scale. https://anatisbioprotection.com/en/

“Whether you’re a grower, retailer, or service provider in this industry, you’ve got to put your best foot forward in terms of your value proposition; you’ve got to know what value you’re creating and really hit on that to your customer base…” –Dr. Charlie Hall

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Charlie Hall grew up in the nursery industry and holds extensive academic accolades; achieving a B.S. in Agricultural Economics, a Master’s Degree in Ornamental Horticulture, and a Ph.D. He is nationally recognized for his expertise in the Green Industries. Dr. Hall’s major research, teaching, and extension areas of specialization include strategic management, market situation/outlook, cost accounting, and financial analysis. His enthusiastic trademark style makes him a sought-after speaker for various industry-related associations and organizations' regional, national, and international meetings. Dr. Hall is currently a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University and holder of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture –positioning him to inspire and educate future generations through initiatives such as the Executive Academy for Growth & Leadership (EAGL).  

For more about Dr. Hall:

LinkedIn: Charlie Hall 

Web: Texas A&M University

For more about the Executive Academy for Growth & Leadership (EAGL), visit eaglnetwork.com or Ellison Chair in International Floriculture.

Improve your financial literacy and make meaningful business decisions using the YourMarketMetrics.com tool.

“People are going to work environments where they feel valued, engagement is encouraged, they have strong belief in the organization: in its senior leadership…in where the company is going…in what it stands for, and the company is able to demonstrate for them that they are valued.” –Lindsay Benard

Founded in 1912 and inspired by one man’s belief in the power of self-improvement, Dale Carnegie is an industry leader in professional training and development. With courses in 35 languages across 80 countries, the organization has evolved into a worldwide movement to impact as many lives as possible through the transformational experiences only they offer. 

For more about Lindsay:

Web: lindsaybenard.com

LinkedIn: lindsaybenard 

For more about Dale Carnegie:

Web: dalecarnegie.com

Facebook: @DaleCarnegieTraining

Instagram: @dalecarnegietraining

LinkedIn: Dale Carnegie Training

Twitter: @DaleCarnegie

YouTube: @Dale-Carnegie

“We listen to the customers, and the more challenging the questions are, the more enthusiastic [our] colleagues are.” –Cor Bremmer

Representing half a century of rich history, ErfGoed continues to exemplify the sound knowledge of soil, vertically-drained cultivation floors, and water technologies that founder, Hans de Jong, envisioned. Closely translating to “heritage” in English, the name reflects their team’s drive to honor the resources gifted to them in a sustainable, reliable, and unique way.

For more about ErfGoed:

Web: erfgoed.com

Facebook: ErfGoed Teeltvloeren

Instagram: @erfgoedteeltvloeren

LinkedIn: ErfGoed

Twitter: @ErfGoedVloer

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!

“Innovation is solving deeply personal problems. And I try to use that in my everyday work, that if I’m solving a problem that someone’s having, and it’s painful for them, and I can fix that, then we’re making the company better as well.” –Will De Rover

For more about Qualitree:

Web: qualitree.com

Facebook: Qualitree

Instagram: @qualitree

LinkedIn: Qualitree

YouTube: Qualitree

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 the action.

“If our company can be successful, I’m successful, and if I’m successful, they’re successful. We’re all aligned the same way.” –Dave Van Belle

Founded in 1973 by Bill and Grace Van Belle, Van Belle Nursery continues to supply industry-leading young and finished plants along with new genetics featured in the Bloomin’ Easy® range. The wholesale operation, based in Abbotsford, BC, prides itself on caring for their people and embodying their 5 Core Values: Best Effort, Always Positive, Respect People, Find a Better Way, and Do it Now.

For more about Van Belle Nursery:

Web: vanbelle.com

Facebook: Van Belle Nursery Youngplants

Instagram: @vanbellenursery

LinkedIn: Van Belle Nursery Inc.

YouTube: Van Belle Nursery

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 production effectiveness, and knowing where to focus your resources.

“I think if you want to be innovative as a person, but also innovative as a company, that doesn’t mean that every idea, everything that you do will be successful. If you don’t make mistakes, they say that’s the biggest mistake.” –Henk Rozendaal

For more about Qualitree:

Web: qualitree.com

Facebook: Qualitree

Instagram: @qualitree

LinkedIn: Qualitree

YouTube: Qualitree

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 wrong if I just mandated everything. Because the next generation is bringing a lot of good information to the table. So how do we combine what I've seen and know together with what they're seeing and how do we make a path forward?" –Gerard Schouwenaar

Orchard Park Growers is a family-run floriculture wholesale grower based in Canada’s Niagara Region. Drawing from Dutch heritage and excellence founded in the fruit farming industry, Orchard Park has been in operation for over 45 years and continues to innovate through the craft of greenhouse growing.  

For more about Orchard Park Growers and their history:

Web: orchardpark.net

Facebook: Orchard Park Growers 

Instagram: @orchardparkgrowers

LinkedIn: Orchard Park Growers Ltd.

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. From the impacts of the pandemic to developing trends, he shares an overview of current hot topics in the sector –with renewed optimism for the future.

“Plan for profit and plant to plan” –Jim Kennedy

Launched by George J. Ball in 1905 as a wholesale cut flower operation, Ball Horticultural Company has grown to be a global leader in breeding, distribution, and research across 20 countries on 6 continents. Part of the Ball family of companies, Ball Seed is North America’s leading wholesale horticultural distributor. Under its 4th generation of family ownership, every member of the Ball team proudly takes part in finding solutions for the industry and providing tools to support grower success.

For more about Ball Horticultural Company:

Web: ballhort.com

Facebook: Ball Horticultural 

Twitter: @BallHort 

LinkedIn: Ball Horticultural Company

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, and hint at various topics and guests that will be featured.

Join us in sharing and learning on Rhyzone, the Horticulture Leaders Podcast.

“This is our next step in being [a] center of learning” –Tony Van Oort