Charles Rankin
Austin
Summary
Dynamic business owner with a proven track record in cactus horticulture and customer relationship management at CJsCactus. Demonstrated resilience and a commitment to learning while enhancing brand awareness and driving sales growth. Skilled in inventory management and fostering collaborative team environments, leading to significant business development and client satisfaction.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
CJsCactus
01.2024 - Current
- Developed business aimed at fulfilling two goals: providing drought-tolerant sustainable food from Opuntia Ellisiana (Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus) and growing ornamental cactus for horticultural sector, specializing in Melocactus.
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
- Developed marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness and attract customers.
- Built a 21'x100' Greenhouse to protect cactus from the elements
- Implemented cost-saving measures to improve overall business efficiency.
Labor/Sales Associate
Barryhill Garden Center
02.2023 - Current
- Executed pricing and stocking of products, enhancing store organization
- Gained extensive knowledge of the entire inventory through research and real-time problem solving.
- Leveraged sales skills to assist guests with landscape needs while cultivating enduring relationships for sustained business
- Exhibiting exceptional sales performance and horticultural knowledge resulted in a promotion to houseplant manager/buyer in 2025.
Co-owner
Gallery of Pets
04.2017 - 06.2020
- Lead product procurement, supervise invoice handling, and guide team dynamics as Co-owner of Gallery of Pets from 2018.
- Mastered the care of small mammals, fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles, and birds, and taught team members those skills.
- Established companion care as a core service, enhancing education on animal care for guests' homes
- Managed million dollars in sales during 2019-2020.
Education
Vocational Farming Degree - Certified Organic Farming, Business Development
Farmshare Austin
Cedar Creek, TX12.2024
BA - Psychology
Austin Community College
Austin, Texas05.2023
High School Diploma -
Rouse High School
Leander, TX06.2017
Skills
- Collaborative team player
- Group-focused mindset
- Quality-oriented
- Cactus horticulturist
- Precision focus
- Resilience
- Commitment to learning
- Customer relationship management
- Inventory management
- Business development
Timeline
Owner
CJsCactus
01.2024 - Current
Labor/Sales Associate
Barryhill Garden Center
02.2023 - Current
Co-owner
Gallery of Pets
04.2017 - 06.2020
Vocational Farming Degree - Certified Organic Farming, Business Development
Farmshare Austin
BA - Psychology
Austin Community College
High School Diploma -
Rouse High School