LOUDON, NH – The upcoming opening of the Northeast’s new 75,000-sq. ft. home of fresh and tasty baby greens isn’t all the folks at l?f Farms are excited about these days. Today, they’re proud to announce the appointment of Donald “DJ” Grandmaison as the company’s Sales & Marketing Manager.
Coming fresh from the ranks of one of the country’s top 100 growers, Pleasant View Gardens, where he served as Product & Program Specialist, Grandmaison brings to l?f Farms more than 15 years of experience in the agriculture and horticulture industries.
“We’re excited to have DJ help us build l?f Farms from the ground up”, smiles l?f Farm President and CEO, Henry Huntington. “His experience prior to joining Pleasant View, combined with his tenacious work within the sales and marketing department at Pleasant View was the key factor in his hire. He provides the perfect blend of skills we need for our new brand to be successful,” finishes Huntington.
As if predestined to join the hydroponic operation at l?f, Grandmaison ironically got his start in 2001 at the Pembroke Academy Horticultural Program in New Hampshire. It was there he learned the basics of growing a variety of ornamental and edible crops in environmentally controlled greenhouses.
Following his Academy experience, Grandmaison’s passion for feeding others evolved into a mission to grow pesticide-free produce and implement environmentally friendly practices. This culminated in Grandmaison joining Dimond Hill Farm in Concord, New Hampshire. There, his appetite for conscientious growing practices flourished as he moved from being the Farm’s Greenhouse Crop Manager and Crop Planner, to overall Farm Manager. In this role, Grandmaison managed all of the Farm’s crop scheduling, retail sales, staff, and vendor relations. His focus on supporting farm growth through education about the produce, production methods, and dedication to consumer health was integral in helping to create farm markets throughout the area. Moreover, Grandmaison got a first-hand look at the importance of building customer relationships through one-on-one dialogue and interactive food demonstrations.
With an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Horticulture from the Thompson School of Applied Science, and a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field from the University of New Hampshire, Grandmaison broadened his base of growing knowledge through his exposure to traditional and advanced organic growing practices. Following graduation, Grandmaison launched the wholesale arm of Dimond Hill Farm, working with local farms, restaurants, and co-ops to wholesale the Farm’s portfolio of crops.
In 2013, Grandmaison joined Pleasant View Gardens as its Product & Program Specialist, rounding out his academic and in-field growing experience with the kind of sales and marketing savvy to effectively lead l?f’s branding efforts. In his new role as Sales & Marketing Manager for l?f Farms, Grandmaison will be responsible for building relationships and selling products to regional supermarkets and food service providers, while heading up all marketing communications activities.
L?f Farms Corp. is a 75,000-sq. ft. greenhouse growing facility, expected to produce more than 1.3 million pounds of the freshest, tastiest and healthiest baby greens for the Northeast. www.lef-farms.com
Source: L?f Farms Corp.
