The sales and technical teams of BioTherm, Dümmen Orange, and Rimol Greenhouse Systems, announced the following new horticulture expert position hires:
Dümmen Orange North America Expands Team, Hires Two Experienced Horticulturists
Dümmen Orange North America recently hired Sarah Thompson to become its new Western Regional Sales Manager and Michelle McElhannon, Ph.D., to be its new Technical Specialist.
As an experienced horticulture professional, Thompson has two decades of expertise in sales, relationship management, and program development.
“We are thrilled about Sarah joining our sales team,” says Frank Magnusson, Dümmen Orange COO for North and Central America. “She knows how to drive sales growth, train and develop field teams, manage customer accounts, and strengthen long-term relationships which are all key to our company’s success.”
Prior to joining Dümmen Orange, Thompson spent the past 20 years serving in multiple roles at Olson’s Greenhouse Gardens, a well-known annual and perennial bedding plant supplier. She gained additional industry experience with a brief stint at Franz Witte Nursery and being an instructor at the College of Western Idaho.
Based in Boise, ID, Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Boise State University, and she has also earned additional professional certifications over the past 20 years.
McElhannon is a scientist with more than 20 years of experience in horticulture, agriculture, and academia. With an extensive background in laboratory, greenhouse, and growth chamber research, she has worked with plant propagation, crop protection products, and plant nutrition.
“Whenever you find someone with as much technical experience as Michelle has, you jump at the opportunity to bring that person on board which is what we did,” says Kelly Nicholas, Head of Technical Services for Dümmen Orange North America. “She understands how to work within a cross-functional team environment and is capable of translating complex scientific concepts to others, especially non-experts.”
Before arriving at Dümmen Orange, McElhannon worked at Consolidated Greenhouse Solutions, BASF, Northeast Georgia Health District, Carole’s Nursery, Horticultural Consulting Services Inc., and Oglevee Limited. She gained additional professional experience working as a graduate researcher at NC State and Auburn.
Based in North Carolina, McElhannon earned a Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University, her master’s degree in horticulture from Auburn University, and a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Georgia along with additional professional certifications.
BioTherm Elevates Horticulture Expertise with the Addition of Taylor Readyhough to the Regional Sales Team
BioTherm has announced the addition of Taylor Readyhough to its growing sales team. Taylor brings a strong background in horticulture, research, and greenhouse operations, further reinforcing BioTherm’s ability to deliver innovative climate control technologies to growers across the industry.
Taylor Readyhough earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental horticulture from the University of Rhode Island in 2015 and a master’s degree in plant and soil science from the University of Vermont in 2021. His academic foundation has fueled his commitment to sustainable and efficient growing solutions.
In 2024, Taylor served as R&D Manager at Glass House Farms, where he applied his expertise in cutting-edge cannabis production. Prior to this, he was a grower at Local Bounti in California from 2022 to 2023, demonstrating his capacity to manage high-performance greenhouses. His experience spans various cannabis greenhouse projects, including roles in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2022. Taylor’s career began in ornamental and landscape greenhouses in Rhode Island and includes university greenhouse work in both Rhode Island and Vermont.
“Taylor’s knowledge and experience in greenhouse management and cannabis production are a great addition to our sales team,” says Jim Rearden, President of BioTherm. “His passion for sustainable growing and hands-on experience with our systems make him an excellent fit as we continue to expand our offerings in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA), horticulture, and cannabis sectors.”
Taylor’s extensive background, paired with his focus on innovation, will support BioTherm’s goal of providing top-tier solutions for climate control and greenhouse efficiency.
Taylor will be instrumental in supporting BioTherm’s efforts to provide cutting-edge technology and support to growers throughout the East Coast.
Rimol Greenhouse Systems Welcomes Adam Earle as Regional Sales Representative for Southern New England and Colorado
Rimol Greenhouse Systems, a manufacturer of commercial greenhouse solutions, is expanding its footprint of national sales representatives with the addition of Adam Earle to its sales team. Adam will be responsible for managing sales in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Long Island, and Colorado.
Adam joins Rimol Greenhouse Systems following more than a decade as the founder and President of Adam’s Greenhouse Construction (AGC). At AGC, Adam exclusively installed Rimol Greenhouses for growers across the country, from the northernmost parts of Maine and New York to Alaska. He has extensive experience building Rimol’s full catalog of greenhouse structures, including high tunnels, gutter-connected Matterhorn greenhouses, and institutional greenhouses.
“Over the last 15 years, Adam has served as a key resource for our customers and for our sales team as a greenhouse installer,” says Bob Rimol, founder and President of Rimol Greenhouse Systems. “His knowledge of our products, existing relationships with customers, and long track record of top-notch customer service will be a strong asset to Rimol’s sales team. We are thrilled to welcome him on board to serve our customers across Southern New England, Long Island, and Colorado.”
“It is not often that you find such a well-versed individual in this industry,” adds John Wells, Sales Manager at Rimol Greenhouse Systems. “Along with all his product knowledge and construction skills, Adam has been growing in his high tunnel greenhouse for more than 15 years. Due to his on-the-road installation schedule, he has mastered controls and automation for his tunnel, and he will be a great resource to our customer base.”
As a Regional Sales Representative, Adam will be responsible for building strong relationships with new and existing customers, supporting agricultural and horticultural innovation, and promoting Rimol’s products to meet the evolving needs of the market.