U.S. National Sales Manager Tim Clark | Dümmen Orange
Dümmen Orange has announced the promotion of Tim Clark to U.S. National Sales Manager.
Based in the Cincinnati, OH area, Clark will now oversee Dümmen Orange’s extensive network of customers, broker companies, and sales representatives throughout the U.S.
“During his time with us, Tim brings a reliable, measured, and collaborative approach with our customers and with our teams,” says Frank Magnusson, Dümmen Orange COO for North and Central America. “Coupled with his management experience, we look forward to growing our sales into the future.”
Prior to joining Dümmen Orange in the spring of 2022, Clark worked 25 years for Benken Florist Home and Garden Center as General Manager. He gained practical business experience before that as a Zone Operations Manager for five years with Frito-Lay North America. Clark holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN.
Clark’s professional credentials are many and feature the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, where he has served on the organization’s board of directors including a term as board president. He was the National Tour Chair from Ohio for the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) in 2008. Clark also served in numerous leadership roles for the Midwest Landscape Network, including Secretary from 2007 to 2009, Treasurer from 2009 to 2011, and President from 2011 to 2013.
An Interview with Dümmen Orange’s New U.S. National Sales Manager Tim Clark
Greenhouse Grower spoke with Tim Clark about his new promotion, responsibilities, past experience, and thoughts on the current state of the industry.
GG: How did your previous experience prepare you for this new role?
Tim Clark: I’ve spent the majority of my career leading people and operational processes as well as key account responsibilities in and out of the horticultural field. The last several years have given me the unique opportunity to learn the breeder side of the business, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the entire horticultural cycle and bringing everything full circle.
GG: What are some of the biggest issues or concerns you’ve heard from the growers you work with, and how do you plan to help them deal with these issues?
Tim Clark: One of the biggest concerns for most growers I think is trying to figure out where the market really is in terms of opportunity and sales. We came off COVID-19 a number of years ago where most growers couldn’t grow enough product. Now, we are seeing the market level off from those highs and determining where the new normal lies is a challenge for us all. Our goal is to have availability of our core crops throughout the season, enabling us and our customers to be ready to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.
GG: What are the biggest challenges this industry is currently facing? Conversely, what are some of the biggest opportunities on the horizon?
Tim Clark: As a whole, I think the labor market always plays a factor. More and more growers are using H-2A for their labor needs and getting the help they need. Additionally, the consumer is facing a choice as to where to spend their hard-earned, discretionary dollars. On the bright side, I have seen some truly amazing genetics get introduced over the last few years. Improved rooting quality, better flowering capabilities, more heat and humidity tolerance, and true grower series that time in flower and habit. The consumer demands the best and our breeders are up to the task.
GG: Looking ahead, what role can you play in moving this industry forward?
Tim Clark: My main focus is helping Dümmen Orange strengthen its position in the marketplace as a trusted supplier of world-class genetics to growers across North America. We achieve that by continuing to build relationships and maintaining a visible presence with our growers and broker partners, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed.
GG: If you weren’t in this profession, what would you be doing?
Tim Clark: That’s a great question. I left the consumer goods industry to work in the horticultural field and traded snack foods for petunias. I’d likely make a return trip to my roots.
