Five Minutes with Piedmont Carolina Nursery and Landscaping

How did you get into the business?

I inherited a green thumb and a strong work ethic from my mom and dad. After initially attending East Carolina University, I transferred to North Carolina State University and, like so many others, was greatly inspired by J.C. Raulston in the school’s horticulture program. I was also fortunate enough to meet an investor who helped launch our business financially.

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

Never a dull moment! Our fast-paced day typically involves answering the phone; sending emails and texts; having face-to-face meetings with nursery customers, suppliers, landscape clients and subcontractors; and, of course, working with our great team of employees.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Working with our family of employees and working in the green industry for the past 40 years. Working with Doug Torn to co-found the North Carolina Green Industry Council as an umbrella advocacy group. Working with a dedicated group of people over many years to represent our industry and communicate with legislators in Raleigh and Washington, D.C., on issues important to the nursery, turf, landscape and other green industry organizations in North Carolina.

What is your company best known for?

A wide variety of container-grown plants, from unusual and hard-to-find plants to bread-and-butter plants that everyone knows and loves. I am very proud to be part of the North Carolina nursery industry, which has so many top-notch growers and so many friendly, honest people who generously share ideas, successes and failures.

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

Like everyone else in our industry, I am concerned with promoting our industry and educating consumers on how important the plants and services we provide are to the environment and our economy. I’m also concerned with being able to attract adequate labor to manage, operate and grow our businesses. There are many others, but I’ll keep to those for now.

What have you gained from your involvement in NCNLA?

Tremendous friendships with so many great people—this industry is truly unique and wonderful!

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

Join NCNLA, attend the Green & Growin’ trade show, enroll in the education program, explore all the training and certification programs available, and introduce yourself and ask lots of questions! This is a great industry, and there is room for anyone willing to work hard and find their passion!