Our Speakers

Jeff and his team have been praised by The New York Times, Forbes, and the Huffington Post for their work in landscaping at Ole Miss as well as Jeff’s book, Growing Weeders into Leaders, that reveals the secret sauce in the recipe for their success. The PGMS, Newsweek, the Princeton Review, and USA Today all designated the Ole Miss Landscape team worthy of national distinction, naming the Ole Miss campus as the nation’s most beautiful. As noted by Dan Cathy, Chairman of Board for Chick-fil-A, “Jeff reminds us that all leaders can be cultivated with the right pruning and nurturing.”

As the Director of Landscape Services at the University of Mississippi by day, a member of the National Speakers Association by night, Jeff has worked with hundreds of leaders and organizations to find the hidden leader within themselves and others. His easy-to- follow Leadership programs motivate participants to lead by example, problem solve and to engage in continuous learning and growing.

Jeff graduated from Auburn University in Horticulture, he is a Professional Certified Grounds Manager, and a Certified Arborist. Jeff knows that great leaders grow great leaders, and as a professional speaker and a member of the National Speaker Association, his message focuses on enriching, entertaining, and inspiring industry leaders looking to grow their team’s performance.

Rayne’s experience in the green industry began at a young age, working with the family’s wholesale nursery in Louisiana in the early 2000s. Over the years, he gained comprehensive knowledge of running a nursery and witnessed it grow from 10 to well over 100 acres. Rayne later graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in horticulture, and sought out various opportunities to broaden his expertise.

After starting his career as an inventory manager, Rayne advanced to sales and eventually became a general manager at a Louisiana-based wholesale growing operation. He found his passion in analyzing and building businesses from the inside out, honing his skills in logistics, production, purchasing, budgeting, and spray programs.

Since then, Rayne has helped companies across the southern United States achieve their goals and improve their operations. His dedication to the industry has led him to serve on the boards of both the Louisiana Nursery Landscape Association and the Texas Nursery Landscape Association, as well as giving education presentations across the US where he collaborates to address issues and create a strong community.

Dr. Ken Fry, Coordinator for the Horticulture Program and Entomology Instructor in the School of Life Science and Business at Olds College, has been involved in insect pest management research, teaching and extension for 25 years, including 9 years as a research scientist at the Alberta Research Council.  His research is focused on biological control of insect pests and integrated pest management.

Dr. Uhrig is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Alberta. His research program is focused on understanding daily plant cell regulation for improved plant growth and climate resiliency through the development and application of state-of-the-art technological approaches. This is highlighted by his group’s recent development of improved quantitative proteomic analysis for plants and the deployment of imaging and AI in connecting plant molecular changes to beneficial phenotypes (e.g. increased plant growth). He actively collaborates with both academia and industry in unconventional ways, applying quantitative proteomics to a range of novel questions involving agriculture, horticulture, environmental toxicology and nutraceuticals. Correspondingly, his research program has been funded by multiple grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (MITACS), Alberta Innovates and Genome Canada, which have yielded intellectual property and an Alberta Science & Technology award for Applications in Agri-Food Production (2022). Through his groups research efforts, Dr. Uhrig is actively involved in a diversity of both Canadian and international plant science and technology development communities, being invited to speak at numerous domestic and international plant science conferences, in addition to serving as a reviewer for international funding agencies and consortiums.

María del Sol Galdón is a registered Landscape Architect and holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of British Columbia. She has professional experience as a landscape architect and interior designer, from site specific to urban scale. Maria is part owner (with her brother) of Planta Landscape Studio, where she leads all design projects . Maria is also a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary’s Master of Landscape Architecture Program. Formerly an associate at O2 Planning + Design, her work focused on fine scale landscape architecture. Maria’s project work with O2 includes project management and the development of construction drawings for several projects which received CSLA National Merit and Calgary’s Mayor’s Urban Design Awards.

As a Landscape Architect Consultant with the University of British Columbia De sign Centre, she led the research document, “Green Infrastructure in Calgary’s Mobility Corridors”, which was awarded a CSLA National Merit Award. As a graduate student, she received the award of Top Graduate Thesis Study for her thesis work focusing on the renegotiation of Calgary’s public right of way in terms of mobility, ecology, and public realm. Maria undertook studies in Wageningen University and Research Centre (Netherlands), focusing on alternative energy sources in regional landscapes, for which she received an International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Jury Award. Maria also holds a Bachelor of Applied Interior Design with studies in Calgary and Guadalajara, Mexico.

John founded JVR Landscape in 1983 and has been working in the Calgary residential design/build market for 42 seasons.  He has a degree from University of Alberta specializing in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.  The company has grown over the years, with two business partners and up to 25 employees during the peak season.  JVR has been submitting intriguing projects for the Landscape Alberta awards program in the late 1990’s and has won numerous awards for landscape design, residential landscape construction and maintenance.

Anik Graves, Market Representative & Trials Manager for ThinkPlants, works to promote exciting new perennial genetics across North America. Anik earned her Honors BSc in Biology at Algoma University and has since worked up the supply chain in the horticultural industry.
Starting at an independent garden center in Northern Ontario, then working as a grower at Linwell Gardens (a young plant propagator in Ontario), has given her experience at the grower and retailer level. In her current position at ThinkPlants, Anik helps to bridge the gap between growers and suppliers, and enjoys presenting fun new perennials to suit every program.

Anik is currently involved in the Canadian Greenhouse Conference as a Trade Fair Committee member. She resides near Sault Ste Marie, ON, and has a soft spot for any zone 3-4 hardy or fragrant perennials.

Jason Henry is the Senior Research Technician for the Environmental Horticulture program at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. He obtained a BSc. in Environmental Science at Trent University where he also conducted his MSc. research, investigating the influence of nitrogen deposition on Irish grasslands. In the last 9 years with Vineland, Jason has worked throughout the urban forest industry, conducting research and providing technical guidance to support the establishment and survival of trees and shrubs in urban landscapes. His current research focuses on improving soil quality and health before planting. Jason resides in Niagara Falls with his young family and volunteers with LandCare Niagara.

Grant has spent 30 years in the landscape industry. He loves to share his experience and provide tools for landscape business owners to build and grow their business. He specializes in team building, operations analysis, accountability, and financial administration.  He started in the landscape industry when he was 15 years old. Through training and work experience, he learned the technical side of the industry. As he gained experience, he was moved into management roles where he learned the operational and financial side of landscaping.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream, he then opened his own design/build business, where he learned the ups and downs of being a business owner. Mostly the downs. After closing his business, he worked for a couple of different companies providing structure, support, accountability and standardization to help these businesses grow leaner, stronger and more profitable. Grant is convinced that knowing your numbers, creating a strong team and establishing a network of support is foundational to business growth. He is a believer in constantly learning, evaluating and adapting to ensure longevity and sustainability. He has a passion to help business owners and their staff experience success and satisfaction in the industry that he knows and loves.

Jason is a former golf course superintendent, joining Olds College in 2009. He has specialized in Turfgrass Science and Golf Resort Management over 40yrs in the turf industry, sharing management practices learned among eight courses across Canada and the Carribean. He holds degrees in Agriculture, Business, Applied Science, and Masters from Penn State. Today he represents Olds College and the Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation as faculty certified trainer, extension specialist, and Executive Director.

Peter Co-founded the design / build firm Oriole Landscaping in 1986. Oriole quickly built a reputation of high-quality work and superior customer service. Oriole has won dozens of awards including the Casey Van Maris award twice for most innovative design in Ontario, and the Dunnington Grubb for best overall landscape in Ontario.

Peter has given back to the industry over the past 25 years by serving as Chair of Canada Blooms, Chair of the contractors Sector Group in Ontario, currently is Chair of Landscape Canada for the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association, Chair of the Canadian Landscape Standard, Vice Chair for the Green Cities Foundation and on the Board of Directors at Landscape Ontario.

Peter has made it his mission to bring excellence to the landscape industry in any way possible. Peter has volunteered with many community projects and has led seminars at industry events to share what he has learned. Peter also provides business consulting services so he can mentor other landscape professionals directly.

Peter currently lives in Toronto with his wife Alana. He has had a lifelong interest in running, skiing, canoeing, hockey and mountain biking.

Wilbert Ronald has spent a lifetime in science and business in Manitoba. He is a graduate (BSA Hons 1967, MSc 1969) in Plant Science/Horticulture from the University of Manitoba following which he completed his Ph.D. in Horticulture and Plant Breeding from the University of Minnesota from 1971 to 1974. He worked as a student and later as a research officer/scientist from 1968-1882 at the Agriculture Canada Morden Research Station where he initiated landscape plant improvement and tree propagation programs. Several plant introductions including shade trees, shrubs, and lilies were introduced during his tenure and since 1982 additional introductions have been made from Morden that trace to his work.

He resigned from Morden in 1982 after purchasing the small Jeffries Nurseries company in Portage la Prairie. The family celebrated its 40th year of management in 2022. Working with family members and talented staff he has grown the business from one employee to over 15 year round and 30 seasonal employees. He has worked with Canadian and US universities and Research Stations to support new plant breeding programs and to commercialize introductions that would otherwise be overlooked both in Canada and the United States.

In 2017, as part of the nurseries 35th Anniversary recognition, Wilbert Ronald with his son Philip, published a booklet on Northern Garden Introductions commercialized by his company. This booklet was revised for the companies 40th anniversary in 2022. A second book “Trees for Northern Landscapes”, written by the same two authors, details the story of tree improvement for colder zones in Canada and the wider North American region.

Wilbert and his wife Sharon are working to complete the succession of the company on to their children, two of whom work in the business as managers while the third serves as a contract employee.

With over 20 years of experience Felicia Vandervelde is not stranger to the Horticultural Industry in North America.  She spent 10 years working for a Cut Flower grower in Southern Ontario, from there she worked for a Brokerage company managing sales in the Ontario market, and after that she managed the entire North American Market for a Gerbera Daisy Breeder from Holland.  Her current position at PanAmerican seed has her managing a broad portfolio of varieties for the Canadian growers and also working with a product development team bringing new and exciting varieties to the Global market.

Brad has been part of the Green Industry for over 30 years. He graduated from Olds College in 1997 with a horticulture diploma; majoring in landscaping. In 1999, Brad was one of the first in the trade to become a Certified Horticultural Technician in Alberta. Growing up in a construction family outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia, he learned the value of professionalism and setting yourself apart from the competition at an early age. After graduating from college, he spent time working in both the Green Industry and the commercial construction industry in Nova Scotia, Alberta, North & South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Eventually, Brad settled back in Calgary where he started Fiddler’s Green Landscaping in the spring of 2001. Brad is married to Crystal, and has 2 sons, Gavin and Thane.

Ashleigh has always had a passion for business and a knack for finding unique ways to innovate within the horticulture industry. As the Garden Centre Coordinator for Kiwi Nurseries, a role she has held for over a decade, Ashleigh has been instrumental in the growth and success of her family business. Her leadership has not only driven the expansion of Kiwi Nurseries but also fostered strong connections with other businesses and organizations within the community.

In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Ashleigh was honored with the Young Retailer Award in 2022 for her achievements in garden retail. Her expertise and innovative approaches have also been featured in Green Profit Magazine, highlighting her impact on the garden center community.

Ashleigh is an avid traveler, exploring garden centers around the world through multiple tours across the United States and Canada. She has participated in six international garden center congresses (IGCA), most recently serving as the Bus Captain for the Next Gen Bus in Quebec. Additionally, she proudly represents Alberta in Garden Centers Canada, further contributing to the industry on a national level.

Jill Vanduyvendyk is a proud co-owner of Dutch Growers Garden Centre in Saskatoon! Dutch Growers isn’t just a garden centre; it’s a hub of inspiration with its meticulously curated collection of quality, unique products. As a third-generation owner, Jill has witnessed the evolution of the business and knows how to keep it fresh and exciting.

Jill’s passion for creativity extends far beyond arranging beautiful plants. She revels in developing innovative processes, crafting effective strategies, and networking to bring new ideas to the forefront. Her extensive expertise has made her a local gardening authority, and she co-hosts a popular call-in show with her father, addressing gardening questions from A to Z across the province.

Jill balances the demands of being a mom to four lively children outside of work. While managing everything might be a juggling act, Jill is committed to making Dutch Growers thrive. We have carefully built an exceptional management and admin team and’s dedicated to steering the centre toward continued success and long-term sustainability!

With over a decade of experience in Human Resources, Carla Bailey has honed her expertise while working for a leading landscaping company in  London, Ontario. Carla’s dedication to creating a positive work  environment and resolving employee matters has made a significant impact on the companies she’s worked with. Her commitment to staff growth led her to discover and implement various government initiatives to support employee development.

In the late 90s, Troy did his Masters of Pest Management at Simon Fraser University in forest entomology, followed by 2 years of employment within the forest health industry. He started working for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in 2001 and has been in his current role as Plant Health Survey Biologist since 2002. In July of that year, he met his career nemesis when emerald ash borer was discovered in Canada for the 1st time in Windsor, Ontario. Since then, the elusiveness of detecting EAB has shaped how he develops survey procedures for invasive pests. As a survey biologist, his responsibilities include: developing survey procedures for plant pests; survey planning and training; providing scientific support to CFIA staff and external stakeholders; coordinating invasive species research within Canada and overseas; and producing outreach products for regulated plant pests.

Christopher Thacker, CSP began his snow and ice career at the age of 12, shoveling his neighbour’s walkways in downtown Toronto. Today he is the CEO of Mr. Mow It All, a property maintenance company that specializes in serving the unique needs of urban properties. There he has been instrumental in the company’s growth through implementing technology and novel techniques for urban snow removal. He has been a member of SIMA since 2015. 

Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Brandon Comstock is not your typical trades business owner. Overcoming challenges with the educational system early on, he forged a unique path through the trades and technology industries, bringing a fresh perspective to entrepreneurship.

Starting in his father’s landscaping company, Brandon rose to managerial roles, igniting his passion for the industry. At 26, he co-founded Landscapers by Nature with his longtime partner Michelle. Today, they lead a team of over 50 professionals, specializing exclusively in lawn maintenance and snow removal for large condominiums and multifamily properties. Their focus on customer specialization sets them apart from competitors making them the go-to contractor
in their area.

In 2022, Brandon co-founded IssueID, a software solution simplifying site  management and customer service for landscape businesses. Built from firsthand industry experience, IssueID enables contractors to manage site issues and enhancement opportunities making maintenance far more profitable and low stress.

Brandon also co-hosts “The Beer Garden” podcast with Jason Hoke, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey and connecting with others in the trades. His diverse experiences equip him with valuable insights beneficial to anyone in the trades

Chris Hinton is currently the Senior Operations Manager, Western Canada of GRM Inc. GRM provides year round solutions for exterior and interior property safeguarding and maintenance to commercial, retail, airport, municipal, government and strata communities, as well as new build development for clients across Western Canada. Chris is currently the SIMA Board of Directors Vice Chair and was a member of PGA of Canada from 1998 – 2015.