Ten years at CPC…

...but a lifetime in Horticulture!

Oh, how time flies... It feels like yesterday that my 21-year-old self started my first day here at Christensen’s Plant and Hardscape Centers. I get asked all the time “are you new here?” so I thought this would be a great opportunity to share a little about myself.

This industry is not new to me. Growing up I would take every chance I could get to make a couple of dollars. I earned 10 cents for every spaded tree that I would crimp while helping my grandpa at his Tree Farm and Garden Center. It may not sound like much, but when you are that young a few bucks in your pocket feels like a lot!

When I was not in school or skateboarding, I would continue helping at the tree farm. I learned how to operate machinery and about the basic plants. In my late teens I worked at a local hardscape supply store where I gained experience with brick, natural flagstone, and outcropping. This would go on for four years until I joined the Christensen’s Team.

I remember my first day coming in to work, not knowing what to expect. I started on the receiving crew and what a change! Coming from a small garden center to a large operations re-wholesale center, things were totally different. From unloading one truck a week to having trucks wrapped around the building daily in certain times of the year was a major change that I enjoyed.

I did not realize how little I knew until starting here. Yet I felt welcomed from my first day. Everyone was friendly and very helpful getting me started. Our yard operations manager Chris took me in, gave me the tour and set me up with the crew I would continue working with for the next four to five years. There were some language barriers but that helped me become more attentive on how to operate efficiently and even began sharpening up my Spanish. At times It was tough work and a messy job, but I looked forward to coming to work every day and a job like that is hard to find.

Maybe you've seen me on one of your deliveries? Christensen’s was generous enough to take the time to help me earn my CDL. Again, it felt like another first day! I would help with deliveries when it was needed for the next couple years. 

Around this same time my lovely girlfriend, my business partner, and I opened an Escape Room in Brighton. We had to close due to the pandemic and when we were able to re-open in October of 2020, a truck crashed into our building and we were forced to close again. We decided to move forward, and we sold our company the beginning of 2021.

After a couple years of driving, I found myself on our sales team. With everything I’ve done up to the point of getting into sales and with the help of our knowledgeable staff, it made me very comfortable starting this new journey. I am now part of our outside sales team. I am grateful for having the opportunity of working here and for all who helped me along the journey. I still wake up every morning excited to come to work.

Next time you see me around, feel free to say hi! Cheers to the next ten more!