June 2021 - 12

Finding the Green Lining
perspectives
BY CAITLIN HUPP
An opportunity lies before us. Have you heard the phrase
" green lining " in relation to the global pandemic? More people
than ever are interested in plants - plants for aesthetics,
plants as a hobby, plants for health, plants for nourishment,
plants for the environment.
Something like 20 million people picked up
Caitlin Hupp is
territory sales
manager for Loma
Vista Nursery and
a member of GPN's
40 Under 40 Class
of 2020. She can be
reached at caitlin@
lomavistanursery.
com.
gardening as a hobby for the first time in 2020. We
even had a Super Bowl commercial! We must look at
ways to inspire and engage new gardeners and bring
them into industry careers.
In addition to a boom in interest, we also have
workforce demographics on our side. Millennials are
now the largest generation in the U.S. workforce.
Millennials get a bad rap, but what we know about the
generation suggests their values align well with the
green industry. This generation places importance
on a company's mission, as well as flexibility, worklife
balance,
and a sense
of purpose. Are we
overlooking future
success stories because
they don't have formal
horticulture education
or experience? Because
they don't fit the
traditional mold?
A DESIRE TO
LEARN
When I interviewed
WORK-LIFE HARMONY
A few years into my role at Loma Vista Nursery, I was lured
away by a lucrative offer in the corporate marketing world. You
know the saying - the grass is greener on the other side? Well
then, you also know that it usually isn't.
Burnout happened quickly. I didn't find any value in what
I was doing and I had no passion for the work. I was also
expecting a child and preparing to be a solo parent. I felt
misaligned with my work, and knew I needed a change, as well
as better harmony between work and home.
So, eight years ago, I returned to Loma Vista Nursery and the
growing industry, eight months pregnant. I think that says a lot
about the company. They took some risk that would eventually
pay off. As for me, I work for a company and a leader who
understands the importance of family and work-life balance,
and in doing work that excites me.
TAKE A CHANCE
Working in this
Millenials get
a bad rap, but what
we know about the
with Loma Vista
Nursery 15 years
ago for the role of
marketing director, I
had zero experience
in horticulture. In
fact, I had to Google the term " Zone 4 Hardiness " prior to the
interview because it was listed as required knowledge in the
job posting. I arrived for my interview at the nursery in a skirt,
heels, and a blazer and quickly realized I was very overdressed.
With my school of journalism portfolio in hand and
confidence in my ability to learn quickly, I made it through
the interview. But I have to admit I was surprised when they
called me later that day to offer me the job. I knew marketing
and communications, but I didn't have any knowledge of the
nursery business. But they saw something - a strong work
ethic, a positive attitude, a desire to learn?
generation suggests their
values align well with
the green industry.
industry has brought
me joy, afforded
me flexibility and a
necessary work-life
balance as a single
mother, and gifted
me with countless
valuable experiences.
I could not imagine
ever leaving - I am
hooked. The point is,
this is not an industry
that I would not have
chosen as a high school
student seeking a
college education. And
I certainly didn't have
any industry experience.
But I am glad I took the chance and applied. And I am thrilled
that Loma Vista Nursery took the chance and hired me.
I don't have all the answers, but my intent is that my
love story with the industry may inspire and motivate us to
think outside the box and adapt as we have so many times
before. Tap into that " green lining. " Evaluate your company's
mission, values, and non-monetary benefits, get creative with
scheduling to allow more flexibility, explore new opportunities
for recruiting to reach the millennial demographic, and we can
continue to drive our industry forward through the passion and
connection people have with nature.
12 JUNE 2021 GPNMAG.COM
http://www.GPNMAG.COM
June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June 2021
