CHRISTINE (CHRIS) NEJELSKI BS Horticulture Kansas State University

Emphasis in Landscape Design, Business Minor

314-***-**** adoxt5@r.postjobfree.com

Professional Experience:

·Fahr Greenhouse March 2020 to current, production

·Savers Ellisville November 2019 to current, production

·Fahr Greenhouses Inc, March 2019 to November 2019 Horticulture

·St. Louis Zoo November 2018 to March 2019

·Papillon Perennials (Formally Gilbergs Perennial Farm) May 2016 to Current

·Lowes Chesterfield: Plant Nursery Specialist August 2017 to May 2018 Sales, Plant Care

·Lowe's Ballwin Outside Lawn and Garden March 2017 to August 2017 Sales

·Fresh Thyme Farmers Market October 2015 to March 2016 Floral

·Lowe's Kirkwood Outside Lawn and Garden March 2015 to July 2015 Sales

·Monsanto (Belcan Contracting) November 2013 to May 2014 Greenhouse Tech

·Missouri Botanical Garden; Director/Coordinator, The Plants of Merit Program (POM)

·October 2007 to October 2011

Responsible for developing and managing the POM program with the goal of educating both the industry and the public about great plants that flourish in the St. Louis area established and implemented marketing goals for selling POM merchandise including brochures, signs, posters, Shaw Legacy™ plant introductions and sponsorships. Established and maintained a POM plant information and image database for prospective, present and emeritus plants. Authored articles on the Plants of Merit Program and specifically on certain plants within the program. Organized the annual production and distribution of the POM brochure, 20,000. Developed and maintained a contact database for POM communication purposes and mailings. Organized POM Executive Committee meetings and the Plant Selection Subcommittee. Led and managed volunteer and staff meetings. Attended appropriate green industry conferences and shows to represent the POM Program and display POM materials.

·Hummert International; Worldwide distributors of horticultural products - Sales Rep for Central llinois and St. Louis September 2005 to October 2008

·McHutchison Horticultural Distributors - Sales Rep for Missouri and Illinois July 2004 to May 2005

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·Fahr Greenhouses, Inc. - Wholesale Manager / Customer Service - Spring 1994 to May 2004

Provided exceptional customer service and ensured the employees also provided the same level of service. National sales of finished and pre-finished plant products, and national sales of vegetative cutting material. (approximately 80% wholesale 20% retail) Rebuilt the facilities, greenhouses and business after a devastating fire in 1994, focused on using effective and efficient processes, to increase productivity, and sound financial practices. Helped grow the business to approximately $1.5 M annually taking on progressively increasing levels of responsibility. Took a pro-active approach on implementing new products and expanding the customer base. Resolved customer problems or complaints by determining optimal solutions. Executed and monitored loss prevention and shrink problems. Maintained top quality control. Contributed to the bottom-line profits of the company by partnering with the owner to assist at all levels of the business. Brought forth and implemented new ideas to create profitable opportunities. Ensured all orders were properly documented, fulfilled and delivered. Encouraged company employees to take ownership for their performance and career development on a regular basis.

Prior to 1994

Summer, 1985 – 1993 Retail Sales

Sunset Aquatech Pools, Sunset Hills, Mo

Managed the retail store located in Ellisville, Mo

Maintained and encouraged an ‘ownership mentality.’ Managed store revenue, including cash handling, deposit reconciliation and delivery of deposits to bank. Scheduled staffing, tracked hours, minimized OT.

Frank’s Nursery and Crafts, Kirkwood, Mo - Offered management position

Horticultural Services, Manhattan, KS

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Horticulture, emphasis in Landscape Design,

with a Minor in Business, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 1992

Professional Affiliations:

Greater St. Louis Flower Growers Association; Secretary

Horticultural Coop of Greater St. Louis; Secretary

Media/Communications:

Interviewed by Becky Homan: The St. Louis Post Dispatch

Weekly columns St. Louis Post Dispatch

Monthly articles; Gateway Gardener, Kansas City Gardener

Janis Murray: Channel 2 Fox “In the Garden”

Presentations given at local garden centers, garden clubs and not for profit groups.

Numerous Trade Shows / Pack and Seed Trials, etc.

Additional Skills:

Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

E-Newsletters :

Ball Publishing

Grower Talks

Green Profit

Pest Management

8/2021

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