Andrea Howard

• Foster new client relationships through proactive outreach, contributing to a 60% sales growth in the first year and ranking #2 for growth within the company two years in a row since store's 2022 acquisition. In first year implemented SAGE accounting programs to track payments, sales orders, purchase orders, and generate report later switching to Netsuites. Manage deliveries, ensuring timely fulfillment of customer orders. Conduct regular inventory counts for both the stone yard and store merchandise. Operate skid loader, delivery trucks, and forklift. Maintain strong client relationships by providing consistent communication and effective issue resolution.

• Managed and cared for all plant inventory, ensured the health and vitality of annual and perennial display gardens, as well as plants in the nursery and cold frame greenhouses. Duties included watering, fertilization, pruning, transplantation, pest and disease monitoring, and applying pesticides when necessary. Procured plant material from vendors, received and checked incoming orders for quality and pest issues. Contributed to sales growth through an education-based business model building strong rapport and trust with customers. Advocated for the importance of native plant populations. Researched and organized horticultural inventory data in Excel. Operated forklifts, skid steers, trucks and coordinated schedules for consultations and deliveries.

• Worked under the guidance of Dr Louis Jackai and Dr Babara Amoah to develop supplemental educational video on cowpea weevil research for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design's Integrated Pest Management Program.

Maintenance and design of interior horticultural in commercial settings in the triad area.
Provided education to business owners on specifications of care interior plants.

Maintained health and quality of plant inventory.
Provided education and recommendations to customers.

Worked with other volunteers and learned sustainable agriculture methods.
Participated in trial grow outs, germination test and record keeping.
Planned and maintained kitchen/herb gardens along with field grown crops.