2020 Industry Award Winners

Each year, the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals and businesses in North Carolina’s green industry. The winners of the 2020 NCNLA Industry Awards were announced during the annual meeting held online on Jan. 21, 2021.

Established in 1999, the Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award recognizes an outstanding young person in the landscape business.

★ Matt Bland has worked for his family’s business, Bland Landscaping, since high school, and is now the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Why he was nominated

Matt is an industry visionary and leader whose contributions have made an impact on the past, present and future of the landscaping industry in North Carolina. His recapitalization of Bland Landscaping is the largest business deal ever made in the state’s landscaping industry. He always leads by example at work, at home and in the community, and he has elevated the career potential for management professionals in this industry throughout North Carolina and beyond. As CFO/COO of a family-run business that has grown to more than 500 employees, he has helped redefine the green industry in our state.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

I enjoy being part of a leadership team that is driving a growing company. The opportunity to build a company that provides great service to customers, as well as opportunities for our employees to grow as both professionals and individuals, is very rewarding. As our industry matures, it’s an honor to be part of continually building our industry’s professional image, which our industry founders understood to be important.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Act like a sponge and soak it all up. The wealth of knowledge in our industry held by the operators of existing businesses is enormous. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, introduce yourself at events, or pick up the phone and call others to harness that knowledge.

Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, this award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the nursery and/or landscape industry.

★ Shelley Cook is the owner of Carolina Garden Company, which she started in 2005.

Why she was nominated

After 15 years in landscape design and installation, Shelley has tripled her business through personal engagement, customer education and top-quality service. Educated in North Carolina State University’s horticultural program, Shelley’s in-depth knowledge of plants ensures the sustainability of each installation. She sees each job individually and creatively, bringing with her a unique ability to incorporate the client’s style and vision. Shelley’s positive personality and wonderful smile help assure the customer that they are in “good hands,“ as Shelley is present on every job.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

I love people and learning about other’s lives—where they’re from, what they do as a career, their kids, etc. I also love transforming the outdoors—matching colors and textures from blooms and foliage to create a unique design for a client is the best. I love the looks on their faces once a project is complete.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Over the past 16 years, I have installed mulch in the pouring rain, planted at temperatures well below zero, been bitten by a copperhead, had poison ivy numerous times, been bitten by wasps and bees, been yelled at by clients, inadvertently cut phone and internet cables, and routinely returned home with a wet behind from sitting on the ground. I’ve also seen the most amazing plants, had clients cry tears of joy at the sight of their new landscaping, formed solid friendships in and out of NCNLA, and learned more than I thought I would about plants. Landscaping is a wonderful career for those who don’t mind hard work or being outside every day, despite the weather. To someone new to the industry, I would say: start small. Focus on one area of landscaping (for me, it was roses) and learn all you can. Once you’ve learned that, move to another area. You never “arrive“ with landscaping—it is a lifetime of learning! Enjoy it every step of the way.

Established in 2004, this award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the association and industry—and more specifically, his or her involvement in program development and execution.

★ Mike Munster has been a Plant Disease Diagnostician with the NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, for 12 years, and has been with NC State for 20 years.

Why he was nominated

If you have ever needed help diagnosing mysterious plant disorders or diseases, you have likely benefited from Mike’s expertise. He has vast knowledge of plant disease and has been a tremendous asset to the ornamental industry by helping to identify plant problems and making management recommendations. Colleagues say he goes above and beyond to share his knowledge by offering training workshops for Extension agents and master gardeners throughout the state.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Let me mention just three: knowing that growers appreciate and value our services, getting to the bottom of some (though not all) difficult cases, and introducing students to the wonders of fungi.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

One lesson from the past—including the past year—is to diversify. That comes in many forms. As plant pathologists, we like to point out that using multiple plant species and cultivars will make you less vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases and pests. The pandemic also has taught us that some revenue streams dry up in a crisis, while others continue to flow. My own experience has shown me that I am enriched by the diversity of people with whom I live and work. That relates to the second piece of advice: never stop learning.

Established in 1994 and named for the longtime Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, this award recognizes qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture and their inspiration to others starting out in the field.

★ Dana Massey is President of Plantworks, where she started as a Head Grower 12 years ago.

Why she was nominated

Dana started working at Plantworks while a student at NC State and, after being hired full time, quickly worked her way up to Vice President. In 2017, Dana took over the company as the Owner/President, and since then she has taken advantage of opportunities to improve both the company and her leadership skills. Dana goes above and beyond to implement new practices that are good for the environment, works to be the best leader possible and has a passion for the green industry.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The most rewarding part of my career has been watching our team flourish during the transition of ownership and facing the challenges of COVID-19. There are always opportunities, and I’m blessed to have a team that always looks for them, even in hard times.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

My advice for anyone interested in starting a career in the green industry in North Carolina is to always seek ways to improve, surround yourself with good people and tell your story. The opportunities our industry will have in the future are immense, with the growing desire in this country for sustainability, as well as physical and mental health—all of which we know plants can help foster.

Established in 1999 and named for the longtime organizer extraordinaire for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to the nursery industry by a female.

★ Shannon Currey has been the Marketing Director at Hoffman Nursery for 14 years.

Why she was nominated

Shannon is passionate about plants and a well-spoken educator. She has been active in horticulture organizations throughout the state and beyond, including NCNLA, the Perennial Plant Association and the North Carolina Plant Conservation Scientific Committee. She displays her leadership with the committees on which she works and helps to set the direction both for future events and the goals of the association. Her curiosity adds valuable insight and generates questions that help create thought-provoking discussions in the workplace and the industry.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Advocating for and promoting a more ecological approach to managed landscapes.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Explore as many aspects of the industry as you can, and talk to people working in it. That can help you find the best fit and pursue a meaningful career.

Established in 1972 and named for the founder of Apex Nurseries, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to the nursery industry by a candidate working directly in the nursery industry.

★ Mark Gantt is Plant Protection Manager at Hefner’s Nursery, where he has worked since 1995.

Why he was nominated

Mark is hardworking and always well prepared. He goes above and beyond the call of duty, whether it be volunteering for committees, representing NCNLA or allowing his nursery to be used for research projects. He is always willing to volunteer to assist in pest and disease control research, which also benefits other nursery owners. A strong advocate for the future leaders of our industry, he has been a speaker at multiple field days and conferences, selflessly sharing his knowledge with his peers.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

I get to watch things grow. How great is that? My main job is to keep the good stuff healthy and make the bad stuff go away, but I wear a lot of different hats. Growing plants is never boring.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

There is no other business where people will freely give you the knowledge they’ve spent years figuring out. Ask away. Just remember that plant people love to give long answers. Pay attention to the professionals in Extension and help them out if you ever get the chance.

Established in 1994, the award recognizes a high level of professionalism in the management or ownership of a field or container nursery, as well as leadership in the nursery industry through participation in local, regional, state and national organizations.

★ William Westbrook is President of Fair View Nursery, Inc., where he has worked for 33 years.

Why he was nominated

William is a third-generation owner and recently took over complete ownership of the nursery. He stays in touch with what customers are asking for and strives to stay updated with new plants as they are introduced into the market. He takes the time to listen to any employee, customer or vendor that needs him, and his door is always open. William has earned the respect of his employees, friends and customers through the years and proven himself time and time again.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The most rewarding part of my career so far is the relationships I have made in the industry. This industry is full of great people willing to share their knowledge with you. We may be competitors, but if you need help, someone is always there to share what they know or lend a hand when times are tough.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

There are so many great opportunities in the green industry today. I would suggest finding the area that interests you the most, making a connection with someone who does what you want to do and learning all you can.

This NCNLA Industry award recognizes lifetime contributions and achievement in the nursery and landscape industry.

★ Jo Ann Dewar began in the industry 49 years ago, and has been the Owner of Fairview Garden Center since its founding 47 years ago.

Why she was nominated

Jo Ann started Fairview Garden Center in 1974, during a time when there were few female entrepreneurs in the industry. Through her dogged work ethic and sharp business instincts, she built a business that will celebrate its 47th anniversary next year. She has been adaptive and innovative in business over the years. Most importantly, she has been an educator and inspiration to countless past employees who would go on to start their own greenhouses, garden centers and landscape companies.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Being able to work with family every day—and with our staff, who are like an extended family. Also seeing the smiles on customers’ faces when you help them achieve their goals.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Do your research and have a business plan in place before starting your company. Network. Our industry is a great one. The work may not be easy, but it is very rewarding.