AZUSA, Calif. – Monrovia Nursery Co, the leading grower of premium garden plants, has enhanced its sales team with the promotions of two long-time sales associates and the hiring of two industry professionals.
David Kirby, a longtime Monrovia sales associate who was appointed vice president of sales in July 2012, announced the promotion of two of his key team members. Amy Kolden has been named sales development coach, acting as a mentor and trainer to the 70-person sales team. "We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable and professional sales team" said Kirby. "In her 30 years with Monrovia, Amy has been a star player and valuable member of the team. She has developed great retail programs over the years, and her excellent communication and organization skills make her the ideal choice to train our sales team."
Tim Barthel, who has been an outside sales representative with Monrovia for 25 years, has been named national sales manager. Tim manages and offers guidance to the Monrovia sales team, both those on the road and in house. "Tim is admired by his colleagues, and having won several regional sales awards, he understands what it takes to be a Monrovia sales representative." said Kirby. "He values the relationships we have with our IGC customers, and works closely with them and the sales team to enhance our customer service and develop sales programs." Barthel will represent Monrovia at conferences, trade shows and gardening events.
Jonathan Pedersen has joined Monrovia as director of business development. Jonathan is partnering with breeders and plant introducers worldwide to bring the very best plants to Monrovia. He works alongside David Kirby and John Keller, Monrovia's VP of operations, to develop the best plant mix and inventory at each of Monrovia's nursery locations. Jonathan brings more than 20 years experience working in the nursery industry, both in retail and wholesale, with an expertise in plant knowledge, marketing and brand development.
Steve Siebert has been hired as Lowe's senior accounts manager. He is responsible for managing an inside sales team, tracking inventory data and working directly with Lowe's regional buyers. Prior to joining Monrovia, Siebert gained experience with national retail accounts while working at Berry Family Nurseries and Flowerwood Nursery, Inc.
Nicholas Staddon, director of new plants, adds to his title as official company spokesperson. "If you've ever heard Nicholas speak, you know how deeply passionate he is about plants and gardening," Kirby said. "Since a significant part of sales is tied to marketing, education, ideas and inspiration, we rely on Nicholas to share with consumers, information about all of the great plants we grow." Staddon has been with Monrovia for nearly 25 years, serving as a regional sales coach and director of new plants. Look for Nicholas as he speaks at garden shows, gardening clubs, the Garden Writers Association symposia and garden center events all over the country. Nicholas has been featured in more than 150 how-to videos, just this year, for the popular website eHow.
"This is a dynamic time for Monrovia. We have a renewed commitment to quality plants, innovation and customer service," Kirby added. "Our team has never been stronger and we are ready to raise the bar on exceptional sales and service."
Background on Monrovia:
Founded in 1926, Monrovia is the leading grower of premium ornamental and edible plants, with more than 2,300 varieties. The company has introduced hundreds of improved plants, including more than 230 exclusives. Monrovia's Distinctively Better® plants are nurtured in custom-blended, premium soil mixes, to produce healthy plants that flourish in the landscape. From its four, eco-friendly nurseries in Visalia and Venice Hills, Calif., Dayton, Ore., and Cairo, Ga., Monrovia distributes its plants through independent garden centers and re-wholesalers nationwide. The company remains a family owned entity. www.monrovia.com
Source: Monrovia
