Mini Interviews

Mini Interviews

Brendon Huggins, Director of Horticulture at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida

What is inspired toy to get into the industry?

I have always loved the outdoors and, as I advanced in my schooling, I came to appreciate how many of my passions related back to horticulture. After taking an inspiring class my sophomore year and working an internship my junior year of college, I knew I had found the career track I wanted to pursue.

What’s the best part of your job?

I love that no two days are the same and that every day we are challenged to be creative, whether we are using creativity to overcome an unforeseen challenge or create a design that inspires our visitors.

What is something not many peopleknow about you?

I do not have a favorite plant. I believe thatevery plant has a place. You just have tothink it through and make sure it isn’t aproblematic plant. With that said, I have aparticular fondness for the genus Taxodium.

What is your favorite phrase, slogan?

There is an Aldo Leopold quote: “Our abilityto perceive quality in nature begins, as in art,with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language.” I think it sums up this industry well.

John Battle, Principal for JBa Land Management LLC. in Dallas, Texas

What inspired you to get into the industry?

Well, I wasn’t inspired. I somewhat fell into thebusiness. I had just started in the truckingindustry traveling the U.S. and Canada. On one of my trips into Canada, I visited my uncle in Detroit while waiting to go through customs.We were chatting on his front porch and he told me about a mowing contract in Dallas that was being bid and said I should bid on it. I told him, ‘I don’t even own a lawnmower!’ He said I should at least look at it, so I did, bid on it and actually won. I was shocked but went to work, and 30 years later I’m still here.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Getting people to understand that there are so many different areas in this industry that you can make into a lucrative career and that it’s not ‘just mowing grass.’ So many people outside of the industry think, when you say you’re a landscaper, their vision is the guy in a pickup truck with a mower in the back.

What is your favorite phrase, slogan?

Do it right … the first time!

What’s the best advice you have received for your career?

‘You can do it.’ Not being intimidated by large contracts, thinking they’re too big. Break things down into manageable pieces and just do it.

Dr. Hossein Saedi, Design Researcher & Landscape Designer, North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina

What is the best part of your job?

When the project is finished and I see a smile of satisfaction appear on the client’s face.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

Barcelona and Budapest are among the top places, but ultimately I have to say south Spain, especially Málaga.

What would you blow your money on?

A trip to Maldives, Mykonos, Ibiza or the Canary Islands.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Sharing some information and insight with the individuals who think they know a lot about this profession in a way that they become willing to lower their guard and have a dialogue about that subject.

What are you most proud of?

I received the Best Research Paper Award for a study obtained from my Ph.D. research at the Environmental Design Research Association conference in Greenville, South Carolina. This award is a testimony to the importance of my research topic and the quality of the research execution. Since 1968, less than 53 individuals have received this award.

Nicole Plunkett, Partner, Cotleur & Hearing Jupiter, Florida

What inspired you to get into the industry?

I’ve always loved the outdoors and the environment. Landscape architecture allows me to have a creative outlet that can positively affect changes in a community.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

In college at the University of Florida, I spent a semester studying European landscape architecture in Paris. I fell in love with Paris, and it is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Learning from past failures has strengthened all aspects of my career and skillsets.

What are you most proud of?

The professional relationships I’ve created throughout the years. I’ve learned how important it is to have amazing mentors and friends in my industry.

What is something not many people know about you?

I’m freakishly good at the classic Microsoft computer game, Minesweeper.

Damon Abdi, Assistant Professor in Landscape Horticulture, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Hammond, Louisiana

What inspired you to get into the industry?

I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors.

What’s the best part of your job?

Working alongside green industry professionals, solving challenges with research and, of course, visiting gardens.

What would you blow your money on?

Lots of acreage for a farm, heavy equipment and a boat.

Who do you most admire in the industry?

Everyone that puts their best foot forward every day to make a difference.

What’s the key to great design?

Keep the client’s desires at the forefront; the rest falls into place.

What’s your ideal Saturday?

College football and tending to my barbecue pit.

What advice would you give to someone entering the green industry?

Learn from those who have already been where you seek to go.