Christopher Buchheit
Clearwater Beach
Summary
Seasoned marketing, business development, and sales professional with 20+ years’ experience driving growth across North American and international horticulture, T&O, and agriculture B2B markets
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
V.P. Farm Development
Fusion Farms
MAYAGUEZ
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Spearheaded cross-functional teams in the design and construction of cutting-edge indoor aquaculture farm facilities
- Led project management, purchasing, and procurement efforts to ensure timely delivery of farm development initiatives
- Collaborated on identifying new farm locations and developing facilities, contributing to strategic expansion plans
Director, Specialty Market Portfolio
Koch Agronomic Services
WICHITA
03.2018 - 09.2020
- Leader of new product innovation teams across Specialty Agriculture and T&O markets resulting in the launch of new product offerings increasing market share ~20%
- Recognized, developed and introduced to executive leadership alternative product and service business models with NIAT value exceeding $20M
- Developed and implemented strategic market plans across four global regions for controlled and slow-release fertilizers, driving product line revenue growth of ~15% within the first year
- Collaborated with global sales teams to identify new market opportunities and created targeted go-to market plans that aligned with regional demands
Sr. Marketing Manager, North America
Verdesian Life Sciences
CARY
12.2014 - 02.2018
- Led strategic planning and execution for North America specialty agriculture nutritionals category, aligning initiatives with market needs
- Orchestrated the launch of a new user campaign, resulting in 700,000 acres of new business and ~$3M in annual topline sales
- Successfully launched new to the world nutritional efficiency products in broad acre and specialty agriculture markets, increasing annual category sales by ~15%
- Conducted controlled market test utilizing quantitative and qualitative intelligence, resulting in 4x sales increase and ~30% gross profit gain
- Managed internal multidiscipline teams to integrate three distinct company entities into unified 'One Verdesian' brand
Marketing Manager - Americas
Everris NA Inc.
DUBLIN
03.2011 - 11.2014
- Successfully launched new products in the controlled release and plant protection market generating ~$2.8M combined annual topline sales
- Led strategic planning, market research, and innovation for ornamental horticulture fertilizer and plant protection categories, enhancing market position and product offerings
- Coordinated new product development with Specialty Ag Market Manager to optimize resources and identify profit-maximizing opportunities
- Directed category transition from Scotts Miracle-Gro to Everris NA Inc., ensuring seamless integration and continuity in operations
Brand Manager Professional Business Group – Ornamental Horticulture Fertilizers
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
MARYSVILLE
01.2007 - 03.2011
- Developed marketing strategy to revitalize mature brands, successfully defending profit margins
- Launched four new products in professional horticulture market, contributing approximately $1M to annual margins
- Developed brand strategies to enhance product visibility and market presence.
- Managed cross-functional teams to execute marketing campaigns and initiatives.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and consumer preferences.
Territory Sales Manager Professional Business Group
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Oversaw $3M in sales of plant protection and fertilizer products across eight-state Midwest territory, driving revenue growth
- Grew market share in territory by 4% over two years through targeted sales strategies
- Cultivated business and technical relationships with distributors and end users to enhance customer satisfaction
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture, with an emphasis in Horticulture
Southeast Missouri State University
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MOBusiness Marketing Strategy - Executive Education Course
Kellogg School of Business
CHICAGO, ILStrategic Persuasion, The Art & Science of Selling Your Ideas - Executive Education Course
Wharton School of Business
PHILADELPHIA, PAIntegrated Marketing Communications - Executive Education Course
Wisconsin School of Business
MADISON, WIFinance Workshop for Non-financial Executives - Executive Education Course
American Management Association (AMA)
CHICAGO, ILSkills
- Market analysis and business development
- Strategic plan implementation
- Product innovation and development
- Product launch and portfolio management
- Market segmentation
- Multidisciplinary team leadership
- Key account management
- Professional presentations
Hobbies and Interests
- Ultramarathon running: ~100 miles (160.93 km) & 12+ hour events
- Home remodeling & renovation
Timeline
V.P. Farm Development
Fusion Farms
03.2022 - 11.2022
Director, Specialty Market Portfolio
Koch Agronomic Services
03.2018 - 09.2020
Sr. Marketing Manager, North America
Verdesian Life Sciences
12.2014 - 02.2018
Marketing Manager - Americas
Everris NA Inc.
03.2011 - 11.2014
Brand Manager Professional Business Group – Ornamental Horticulture Fertilizers
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
01.2007 - 03.2011
Territory Sales Manager Professional Business Group
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
01.2005 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture, with an emphasis in Horticulture
Southeast Missouri State University
Business Marketing Strategy - Executive Education Course
Kellogg School of Business
Strategic Persuasion, The Art & Science of Selling Your Ideas - Executive Education Course
Wharton School of Business
Integrated Marketing Communications - Executive Education Course
Wisconsin School of Business
Finance Workshop for Non-financial Executives - Executive Education Course
American Management Association (AMA)