5 Minutes With … Ryan Glover
Ryan Glover is operations manager at Glover Nursery in West Jordan, Utah, and a GPN Magazine 40 Under 40 alum.
You grew up in the industry, as your family started “Utah’s First Family Nursery” — how do we encourage the next generation to be interested in horticulture as a career?
One way to encourage the next generation is to get them involved in growing or gardening at a young age — especially with a family member or mentor that can build memories that last a lifetime. I know everyone in our family talks about when they worked with our grandpa either at the nursery or in the garden. The favorite stories to tell are about Grandpa pushing us to work hard and pay attention no matter the task, which at the time was difficult but led to better work ethic later in life.
As for the industry, I think getting the next generation to realize they can actually have a successful career and make a good living in horticulture. Possibly by having the younger generation that is already working in horticulture share their jobs and what they like about it through whatever social media is popular for their peers. This would give people a realistic vision of how rewarding a career in horticulture can be.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I would say the most rewarding part of my job is brainstorming new ideas or improvements for the nursery with the managers or department heads and putting them into action. Having the ability to be flexible and make changes as our business evolves is something I really enjoy.
What keeps you up at night?
Making sure that I have the right plans in place for what is happening the next day or week, whether it’s having enough crew for incoming trucks, loading customers or covering for frost.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in the horticulture industry?
Working in the skiing and outdoor industry.
What’s something that few people know about you?
I’ve traveled to over 45 countries.
Favorite plant to grow? Why?
For my house, peonies and for work, roses. I like peonies because they don’t require much care and look great, which is nice during the spring. Roses can be a little difficult to keep up on, but when they’re finished and ready to sell not much looks better.
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