Podcast: Rhyzone Podcast

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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….

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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