INFORM
Let ’s Hear it From
JENNIFER MYERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS (NALP) JENNIFER MYERS, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS, EXPLAINS HER ROLE IN BRINGING NEW FACES TO THE INDUSTRY
How did you start working with landscapers? I started out working as the recruiting director for a large, full-service landscape contracting company. Then I worked as a recruiting consultant for different landscape contractors throughout the country, sourcing candidates for full-time positions. I also traveled to colleges and universities on behalf of the groups. I liked working with companies from different parts of the country because I talked to a wide variety of people. Eventually I wanted to lead national efforts and was lucky to create an opportunity with the NALP.
Why did you pick the landscaping industry as a career? Growing up, my dad’s hobby was propagating, growing, and selling azaleas. I helped him, begrudgingly, for many years.
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I remember wanting chores that seemed more feminine, like laundry or dishes, but planting and pruning was my chore. During my college years I needed a summer job, and my dad suggested applying at a local nursery. I applied and was hired to unload trucks but moved to the sales floor in just a month. I enjoyed selling annuals, perennials, and ornamental grasses, and even took a horticulture class the next semester at Virginia Tech. I ended up loving it and added Horticulture as a second degree (my other was Environmental Science). I continued working at the nursery during the summer and interned with the landscape contractor who hired me as recruiting director after graduation. So, the job just kind of found me, at my dad‘s recommendation! When did you begin working with the NALP? While studying horticulture at Virginia Tech I went to student career days and got involved
Pro Landscaper USA South July/August 2021
in what is now the group’s National Collegiate Landscape Competition. As I got into my career, I participated in volunteer leadership,
ran different committees and eventually became a chairperson for the association. I also attended renewal and remembrance events, national landscape conventions, and about four years ago decided I wanted a full-time career with the association. Luckily, my expertise in workforce development matched the NALP’S growing focus in that area.
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