Suzanne Barton, CPH
Hilton Head Island,SC
Summary
Multitasking Certified Professional Horticulturist with exceptional composure and poise. Proactive leader with strengths in communication and collaboration. Results-focused professional with proven skills in sales, buying, and merchandising. Proficient in leveraging perennial, annual, and tropical knowledge to promote sales. Adept at managing concurrent objectives to highlight efficiency and influence positive outcomes. Successful in promoting products and boosting revenue by connecting with customers, and effectively communicating sales recommendations. Accomplished manager recognized for initiating positive environments where employees thrive and succeed.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager of Retail Division
The Green Thumb
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
06.2024 - Current
- Hire, train, and motivate team members.
- Procure all materials for the operation of the nursery.
- Oversee the care and maintenance of stock.
- Manage the budget and inventory to optimize margins and sales.
- Advise clients on landscape design, and facilitate installation.
- Showcase products to focus on new and prime materials. Elevate the client experience with creative displays.
- Frequent speaker at Master Gardener meetings and local garden clubs.
- Writing a featured monthly article in a high-end, local magazine.
- Promoted, designed and implemented the installation of a National Audubon Society certified Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary Garden. I began a native plant initiative at the nursery.
- Create an overall positive energy and environment that translates directly to clients, from the greeting to the send-off.
Director of Horticulture
Triad Plants
Delray Beach, Florida
03.2022 - 06.2024
- Implemented quality control protocols for the procurement of plant materials.
- Sought out new products by visiting growers on a regular basis.
- Expanded the company's client portfolio.
- Worked closely with staff and clients to continually educate them on product knowledge and industry updates.
- Trade show design and execution.
- Well-regarded speaker at trade shows and conferences across the country.
- Hosted both weekly and monthly videos for the website and social media.
Greenhouse Manager
HOMESTEAD GARDENS
Davidsonville, MD
11.2020 - 03.2022
- Reviewed monthly financial results with partners to identify opportunities, and improve profitability.
- Conferred with horticultural experts to plan and implement facility updates focused on expanding offerings, increasing productivity, and improving revenue.
- Set work schedules and delegated tasks to maintain optimal coverage for plant and customer needs.
- Trained and motivated greenhouse team in the care, display, and sales of plant material.
- Promoted cross-merchandising throughout all departments.
- Maximized branding initiatives by using customer data and market trends in strategic planning.
- Implemented measures to prevent problems with diseases, parasites, and insect infestations.
- Oversaw more than 15 personnel, and delivered mentorship and training to promote increased productivity.
Buyer Specialist, Assistant General Manager
Valley View Farms Garden Center & Nursery
Cockeysville, MD
03.2004 - 11.2020
- Handled all delegated tasks, including all aspects of day to day operations of greenhouse, selection and ordering of plant material and training of staff in proper plant maintenance.
- Conferred with management to offer feedback on operations and promotions based on customer preferences and purchasing habits.
- Analyzed sales and predicted trends to adjust future production.
- Researched competitors and sourced new vendors.
- Collaborated with management to assess materials needs and look for improved options to better meet changing demands.
- Supervised junior staff and mentored to improve performance.
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.
- Reset store displays for special events and seasonal merchandise changes.
- Provided feedback on competitor activities and best practices.
- Sourced unique items and built relationships with vendors able to reliably deliver high-quality goods.
- Managed ordering, receiving and price structuring for hard goods.
- Authorized payment of invoices and return of merchandise.
- Proofread and edited advertising, social media and other publications for all departments.
- Created set designs for broadcast advertising.
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of plant materials
- Staffing and sales force management
- Marketing and promotion
- Inventory management
- Training and motivation
- Problem resolution
Timeline
General Manager of Retail Division
The Green Thumb
06.2024 - Current
Director of Horticulture
Triad Plants
03.2022 - 06.2024
Greenhouse Manager
HOMESTEAD GARDENS
11.2020 - 03.2022
Buyer Specialist, Assistant General Manager
Valley View Farms Garden Center & Nursery
03.2004 - 11.2020