May 2019 - 28

ELIZABETH RILEY
DEPARTMENT HEAD OF HORTICULTURE
TECHNOLOGY/AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
ALAMANCE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GRAHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
Accomplishments:
* Completed three degrees (B.S., M.S. and Ph.D.)
in horticultural science at North Carolina State
University and is responsible for developing a college
curriculum with courses that reflect current industry
practices and emphasize students' exposure to
opportunities in horticulture.
TIGER PALAFOX
VICE PRESIDENT
MISSION HILLS NURSERY
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Accomplishments:
* Helped the garden center diversify by adding a
landscape installation and maintenance division. This
has helped create a solid baseline of sales, increased
revenue and raised visibility to potential customers.
* Oversees day-to-day operations of garden center,
landscape installation business and maintenance
crews for 100+ properties to ensure they are running
efficiently and effectively.
Finding the Right Work/Life Balance:
Thanks to his wife and two children, Tiger always tries
to maintain the right balance of home and work life.
Growing up in the industry, this has always been one of
his top priorities for his family.
Surf's Up and Head's Clear:
Tiger can't live without his surfboard. " It allows me
to get out and completely remove myself from any
stresses and clear my head when I need to. "
* Instrumental in planning and hosting the National
Collegiate Landscape Competition at Alamance
Community College in 2018.
Kicking Back in Her Spare Time:
When she's not teaching, Liz enjoys coaching her
daughter's soccer
team. She also
serves as an
advisor for the
local 4-H club
focusing on
horticulture.
Author,
Author:
Liz's favorite
writer is Nora
Roberts. " I love
reading anything
by Nora Roberts.
Her writing allows
you to use your
imagination, and I
can very quickly get
lost in her books. "
JOHN SANTORO
DIVISION SALES MANAGER
BERGER HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS
SAINT-MODESTE, QUEBEC, CANADA
Accomplishments:
* Successfully transitioned from grower at two
different top 50 greenhouse producers to product
sales rep to manager within two years.
* Currently leads a team of five sales representatives
in the East and Midwest regions with a focus on
customer service and comprehensive product
support.
Two Different Green Industries:
John is the youngest of five children in his family. John
pursued his career in one type of green industry, all of
his siblings did in another green industry - they all
work in corporate banking on Wall Street.
Committed to the Movie:
John's favorite movie is " Willie Wonka and the
Chocolate Factory. " In fact, he has the character
tattooed on his arm.
Congratulations
David Czarnecki
on being named to the Class of
2019 of GPN's 40 under 40!
David's hard work and dedication not only
led to winning an AAS Award for Marigold
Super Hero Spry, he has raised the bar on
all the crops he breeds. We look forward to
many more innovations from David in the
future! Benaryans worldwide salute you,
David, and all your fellow 2019
40 under 40 honorees!
Check out what's new at
www.Benary.com
40 UNDER 40
http://www.Benary.com
May 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2019
