ERIC TOHER
Leesburg,FL
Summary
Horticultural Professional with over 10 years of extensive expertise in operational efficiency and team leadership, driving significant improvements in productivity and market reach. Proven track record in negotiating major contracts and implementing innovative strategies to enhance product diversity and quality. Committed to fostering a collaborative company culture and maintaining high standards of quality control and supplier relations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
HEAD GROWER/PRODUCTION MANAGER
Phoenix Foliage
Winter Garden, Florida
07.2021 - Current
- Enhance plant quality and productivity through equipment upgrades, boosting efficiency.
- Foster company culture transformation, collaborating with management for strategic changes.
- Initiate and lead workforce English classes, promoting skill development and communication.
- Develop and enforce new plant specifications, ensuring compliance and quality standards.
- Implemented a new irrigation system, optimizing water usage and promoting healthier plant growth across the nursery.
- Instrumental in ridding the company of a low quality greenhouse facility and building and designing a new 35,000 sqft facility to replace it.
- I am a liaison between our company and suppliers of equipment as well as Tissue Culture vendors.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in horticulture techniques and safety protocols.
- Analyzed environmental conditions using Gemlink software
- Spearheaded initiatives for sustainable growing practices, reducing waste and resource consumption.
- Established an internal quality team to ensure all outgoing product is at Spec and disease free
- Monitored labor closely, adjusting staffing levels as needed
- Reviewed and updated old crop protocols and created new ones for new crops
- Kept track of inventory and space requirements using Starcom ERP software
GROWER LEADER
Syngenta
Gilroy, Ca.
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Mentored growers, enhancing skills and increasing productivity.
- Managed 100,000 sqft greenhouse operations, ensuring efficiency.
- Led team through COVID-19, maintaining operational continuity.
- Collaborated with Phyto and Global IPM programs for innovation.
- Established a mother block, preserving genetic diversity.
- Led a team of growers to enhance crop yield through strategic planning, resulting in substantial improvements in overall production efficiency.
GENERAL MANAGER
Shore Acres Plant Farm
Mobile, Alabama
08.2017 - 09.2019
- Led company representation at industry events, securing $1.5M in new accounts.
- Implemented automation, boosting production efficiency.
- Introduced new crops, enhancing product diversity.
- Negotiated two major box store contracts, expanding market reach.
- Streamlined operations, achieving measurable improvements.
- Oversaw daily operations, enhancing efficiency and achieving substantial improvements in order fulfillment timelines.
OPERATIONS MANAGER/HEAD GROWER
Garden State Growers
King George, Va.
12.2014 - 09.2019
- Managed daily operations to enhance plant health, boosting crop yield and quality.
- Generated $5 million in annual bedding plant sales through strategic oversight.
- Mentored staff to foster growth and efficiency in production processes.
- Maintained machinery to ensure seamless production line operations.
- Coordinated shipping logistics for accurate and timely deliveries.
Skills
- Post-harvest handling
- Safety protocol implementation
- Staff training and development
- Record keeping
- Crop rotation planning
- Propagation
- Irrigation system
- Inventory control proficiency
- Greenhouse operations mastery
Timeline
HEAD GROWER/PRODUCTION MANAGER
Phoenix Foliage
07.2021 - Current
GROWER LEADER
Syngenta
11.2019 - 04.2021
GENERAL MANAGER
Shore Acres Plant Farm
08.2017 - 09.2019
OPERATIONS MANAGER/HEAD GROWER
Garden State Growers
12.2014 - 09.2019