Photo Credit: PanAmerican Seed

At PanAmerican Seed®, everything revolves around growth – not just of flowers, but also of people.

At PanAmerican Seed®, everything revolves around growth – not just of flowers, but also of people. We honor the remarkable career of Sjaak Ros, Area Manager, who will soon retire after an incredible 42 years of loyal service. His journey reflects the unique opportunities and personal connections that define the flower seed industry.

A Career Rooted in Growth

Sjaak joined PanAmerican Seed in 1983 as an Account Controller, fresh from his HEAO degree in Economics and Business Administration. Initially drawn to numbers, his career took an unexpected turn when he transitioned into sales – a move that felt right from day one. From sending quotes by telex to traveling across continents, Sjaak embraced every challenge and opportunity.

Milestones and Achievements

1983 – The Beginning: Fresh from his HEAO degree, Sjaak joined PanAmerican Seed as an Account Controller. Numbers were his world, and spreadsheets his language. But destiny had other plans.

Mid-1980s – A Leap into Sales: What started as an inside role—sending quotes by telex—soon evolved into something bigger. Sjaak stepped into the world of sales, meeting customers face-to-face and discovering the human side of business. “It felt right from day one,” he recalls.

1990s – Building Bridges Across Borders: With his natural talent for relationships, Sjaak became a trusted partner for clients worldwide. From South Africa to Israel, he turned business trips into opportunities for connection, making PanAmerican Seed a name synonymous with trust.

2000s – Navigating Change: As markets shifted and technology transformed the industry, Sjaak adapted with resilience. His ability to see opportunities where others saw challenges became his trademark.

2025 – A Legacy of Growth: After almost 43 years, Sjaak retires as Area Manager, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and personal touch. His journey is proof that growth isn’t just about flowers—it’s about people.

Throughout his career, Sjaak became known for his integrity, adaptability, and passion for people. “The best part is that it’s a human industry,” he often said. His work spanned the globe, from South Africa to Israel, making every day dynamic and rewarding.

A Fond Farewell

Reflecting on his journey, Sjaak shares: “I’ve had the privilege to work in an industry that values trust, relationships, and innovation. PanAmerican Seed gave me opportunities to grow, and I’m proud to have been part of this family for over four decades.”

As Sjaak embarks on this new chapter, we thank him for his unwavering dedication and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

About PanAmerican Seed

A single seed can spark a world of growth. At PanAmerican Seed, we’ve been expanding our expertise for more than 75 years. As an internationally renowned breeder and producer, we are at the forefront of providing innovative solutions through a wide range of seed-raised products. Every day we strive to inspire and serve our customers in the best way possible. Within our state-of-the-art facilities, we develop new varieties under diverse climate conditions, designing them to thrive globally. Our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship drives our ongoing pursuit of sustainable, future-proof varieties and operational excellence. Reliability and trustworthiness are paramount to both our continued success and the success of our global partners. It demands the highest quality of products that have been carefully handled and shipped to you. Every day counts. Our team is committed to ensuring your orders are delivered fast, efficiently and on time. If you want the best, PanAmerican Seed is your go-to partner.