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For its leadership, innovation, and commitment to the green industry, Agri-Starts Inc. is Ornamental Outlook magazine's 2005 Operation of the Year.
When Randy Strode takes visitors on a tour of his foliage operation in Apopka, FL, what he describes is not so much what lies before him, but what he sees in the future. It is this vision that has helped grow Agri-Starts Inc. from a doublewide trailer lab in 1984 to the high-tech tissue culture propagation facility that it is today. With 156,000 square feet of greenhouse production space, the company offers a diverse product line of 300 varieties. Participation in industry organizations is one element that has helped the operation reach its potential.
Leading The Way
Agri-Starts is heavily involved with the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA), with members of the operation serving on the association's marketing, foliage, and research committees as well as the Action Chapter's board of directors.
"Agri-Starts is a willing, active participant in FNGLA and always steps up to the plate to help move the industry forward," says Ben Bolusky, FNGLA executive vice president.
"The cutting-edge operation attracts some of the industry's best and brightest. It reflects the energy and positive attitude of Randy Strode and his team."
Agri-Starts is a strong supporter of FNGLA's Action Chapter, and all managers are encouraged to attend meetings. In addition, managers are asked to attend a one-day improvement seminar in an area of their choice each year.
Christine Lance, a former AgriStarts employee who nominated the company for the award, says, "Randy highly regards furthering education and pushes his employees to be the best they can be."
Agri-Starts' industry leadership has been recognized through several awards. Strode is a past winner of the Southern Nursery Association's David E. Laird Jr. Award, FNGLA's Wendell E. Butler Award, and the FNGLA Action Chapter's Gene Batson Award.
Committed Company
In addition to participating in industry organizations, Agri-Starts demonstrates commitment to the future of the green industry in several other ways:
* A structured, summer-intern program provides opportunities for horticultural students.
* In-house breeding efforts work toward future crop improvements and new innovations in tissueculture production systems.