August 2019 - 15

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FRESH PERSPECTIVES
These seven men and women
should be on your radar - if
they aren't already!
E
very May for the last eight years, Lawn & Garden
Retailer's sister publication, GPN, has published its
annual list of 40 young men and women who are
really making a difference in the horticulture industry.
GPN's 40 Under 40 program represents the entire
spectrum of horticulture - growers, retailers, business
owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, breeders, educators,
scientists, salespeople and so many more that make up
the fascinating fabric of our industry.
They are all trailblazers under the age of 40 who
personify superior leadership, creativity, innovative
thinking, excellence and compassion in and outside the
horticulture field!
S
S
E
E
All of the individuals were nominated by their
peers for the contributions they have made to their
companies, customers and communities so far ... and
for the many contributions they will make in the years
to come.
This month, we wanted to shine the spotlight on a
few of the individuals in the Class of 2019. If they are
not already, these men and women should be on your
radar for today and tomorrow.
GPN will be accepting nominations for the Class of
2020 beginning in November. You can learn more about
the program by visiting www.gpnmag.com/40-under40-awards.
Co-founders/Co-CEOs
| Back to the Roots |
Oakland, California
Chief Financial Officer | Overdevest Nurseries |
Bridgeton, New Jersey
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
* Launched the first tabletop aquaponic system to
educate families about ecosystems and growing food
in new ways.
* Helped families and classrooms create over 1 million
new organic gardens this year!
EXTRACURRICULAR
" We want to build a brand and live a life that leaves
the world a bit better than we found it - and we
know we can only do that by integrating our team,
our community, ourselves (our own health), our
families, our environment into everything we do and all
decisions! "
FUN FACTS
Both of their fathers spent years in Germany after
immigrating from Colombia (Alex's dad) and India
(Nikihl's dad). " When they first met at our college
graduation, they both hit it off right away speaking
German. Sometimes things are just meant to be. "
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
* Developed new process to streamline the company's
weekly plant evaluation process by eliminating
double data entry and using wireless tablets.
* Uses his business background to enhance operations
and has instituted cost-saving measures at the
nursery paying careful attention to freight and labor
costs while increasing productivity.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Ryan was a First Team Academic All-American in high
school and college soccer. During his senior year of
college, he received an award named after famous alum
and comedian Jon Stewart for having the most positive
influence on the team's attitude.
FUN FACTS
During his senior year at The College of William &
Mary, Ryan " very briefly " met Queen Elizabeth II during
the college's 2007 Charter Day celebration.
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.
EXTRACURRICULAR
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.
FUN FACTS
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. "
LGRMAG.COM | 15
http://www.gpnmag.com/40-under http://www.LGRMAG.COM
August 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2019
