Position: President, De Jong
Greenhouses
He does everything associated with being a CEO including
a great deal of coaching and "walk
around" management. De Jong is also co-chairman of the Society
of American Florists/American Nursery & Landscape Association
Task Force on Container Sizes.
Experience: De Jong has been hanging around greenhouses ever since
he can remember. He worked in his family's greenhouse business through
his teens. He earned a business degree from Drake University and
then returned to the family business. He learned the value of participating
in industry groups from his father and has been involved with Iowa
Greenhouse Growers, OFA and Society of American Florists.
De Jong Greenhouses was founded by Mark's grandfather
and has been growing floral products for more than 70 years. Initially,
the company's production was mostly cut flowers. Over time, production
evolved to be 100-percent potted plants. It operates 7 acres of
greenhouses and ships to traditional florists, independent garden
centers and supermarket chains along the I-80 corridor from the
Mississippi River to Lincoln, Neb.
Mark is also involved in Pella's City Council & recently was honored
after reaching his 30 year anniversary as a City Councilman. In
March 2008 he was also honored with a Leadership Award by the Pella
Chamber of Commerce.
30 Years on Council article
Leadership Award article |
