Member Spotlight: Wyatt-Quarles Seeds

NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Wyatt-Quarles Seed Company

Garner, N.C.

Sales Manager

Mark Smith

In business

Since 1881

NCNLA member

Since 1981

Number of employees

40

Favorite NCNLA benefits

Business contacts/ networking, Green & Growin’ show

Five Minutes with

Wyatt-Quarles Seed Company

How did you get into the business?

I started working as a temporary loader at a local garden center right out of high school, and I was hooked. I worked in many positions over a 10-year period and eventually became general manager before that store closed. I was looking to stay in the industry, and Wyatt-Quarles gave me an opportunity to join their inside sales/ customer service team. It was a perfect fit. I was very familiar with most of the product offerings, and the company was wonderful. I have been with WyattQuarles for more than 20 years now, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What’s a typical day like for you and your staff?

Most days start very early for our truck drivers and warehouse staff, who work hard unloading incoming freight and stocking shelves in the mornings, and then focus on pulling customer orders and loading trucks in the afternoons and evenings. Spring days can be very long and exhausting. Outside sales team members work around the clock and are on the road taking care of customer needs most weekdays, and then spend evenings responding to emails and processing orders. Our office team also helps keeps things rolling each and every day. Most days, order entry staff, customer service/inside sales associates, product buyers and management can be found on the phones, processing emails and handling paperwork. It’s truly a team effort to make it all happen.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

I have been in a supervisor/management role most of my career, and I have always enjoyed interacting with my co-workers and customers—and watching them all succeed. People are the most important part of any business, and their value

President, Vice President, and sales team

Back Row: (left to right) Tony Evans, Amie Cavenaugh-Eakins, and Gerald Storms Middle Row: (left to right) Clint Erwin, Keith Haynes, and Joe Moore (Vice President) Front Row: (left to right) Anthony Koch, Dean Kiger, Mark Smith, Chuck Wyatt (President)

should never be taken lightly. I have been blessed to work with—and for—a lot of special people, and for that I am very grateful.

What is your company best known for?

The foundation of our business was built on quality and service. We take a lot of pride in providing exceptional service and realize how important it is to build long-term relationships. We have always offered high-quality products to independently owned garden shops, hardware stores and professional wholesale growers. The success of our customers is vital for the success of our business, and if we have not exceeded their expectations, we have failed.

Warehouse Staff What issues are you concerned about as a company in the green industry?

Currently, product availability and pricing are important issues. The past couple years have been challenging for multiple reasons, and now we’re dealing with a tremendous shortage in grower supplies. Of course, as with most every industry, prices are also up. We’re currently placing product orders way into 2023, and we’re already being told it’s not looking much better for the near future. The good news is that our industry has done very well the past few years—we just have to practice good business habits and plan a little further out than we have in the past.

What have you gained from your involvement in NCNLA?

NCNLA has been an excellent resource for networking opportunities and communication within our industry. The Green & Growin’ show is a must-do event. We always enjoy visiting with our existing customers and meeting new potential business contacts.

What advice do you have for someone interested in or just starting out in the industry?

Do your due diligence and don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is a fantastic industry with a lot of wonderful, qualified people who are willing and able to help along the way. The future of our industry looks very strong and can only benefit from a new, fresh workforce.