Duane Van Alstine: How I Came to the Horticultural Field

Many years ago I was in the retail business managing a staff of 30 plus people.  The grocery chain that I worked for had just been bought by a larger company and things were drastically changing.  I had been considering a career change anyway and since I was still fairly young, I decided that it was time.  Not knowing what direction I wanted my career to go I answered a newspaper ad for “Greenhouse Labourers”.  I thought it would be a nice change while I sorted out my next career move.  While the hourly wage was not near what I was used to, it would pay the bills and afford me time to ponder my future (so I thought).  I answered the ad and on my interview with the Head Grower I brought in a resume and was told to start on the following Monday.  That Monday was Thanksgiving however and there were just 3 of us in that day.  Because of the lack of labourers on that holiday the grower was able to give me a complete guided tour of the operation.  My first impressions were the opposite of what I envisioned; my image of a typical greenhouse operation was wooden benches, soil everywhere and back breaking work.  This operation was equipped with rolling metal benches, equipment that greatly improved efficiency and was a spotless working environment.

Later that week I was approached by the owner, he had a puzzled look on his face and stated that he had been looking over my resume.  He had one question; “what are you doing here”?  I told him my story and when I was through he indicated that he might have an entry level management positon for me.  Within a very short time I was given a junior management position, it was during this period that I was given the opportunity to be an integral part of the growing process of numerous crops.  Every day I met with the head grower and every day I learned another piece of the science of crop management. 

As luck would have it, the business was growing and a business consulting company was brought in to aid in putting together a management team.  The position of “Operations Manager” was posted and those wishing to apply must write an easy on what changes to the daily operation this new position would initiate.  I quickly identified areas of improvement and I was promoted.  In the Operations Manager position my main focus was managing every facet of the crops’ life from cutting to flowering.  This was to be where I realized that this was now my passion, horticulture was my new career!

Two short years into my horticultural career the Head Grower left. The owner stepped into that position and seeing my passion for growing he facilitated my move into more of a grower/operations manager position.  We attended nutrient classes together; I received my pesticide licence and often met with horticulture consultants.  Before long I was making key growing decisions in pesticide and growth regulator applications and nutrient management for all crops within the 380,000 sq. ft. operation.  Without consciously realizing it I was now a grower for a large successful greenhouse facility!

As time went on I became in tune of what the crop needed and with the benefit of a great team of assistants the quality steadily improved.  I won’t pretend that the journey wasn’t tough, outbreaks of pests and disease challenged my sanity at times but I was always able to get advice from other growers in the industry whom I still have contact with in my present position.  Long hours and seven days a week were common place but the passion for horticulture drove me to do whatever it took to grow a quality crop.

I truly believe that things happen for a reason; had I not answered that newspaper ad I would never have felt the satisfaction of knowing that I had a hand in growing beautiful plants enjoyed by thousands of consumers.  I also wouldn’t have met my wife.

After 17 years working in a greenhouse it was time for another career change, and I joined the GGS group, initially as a project manager for various greenhouse construction projects. Understanding the complexities and the benefits of all the systems that go into commercial environmental controlled greenhouses from the grower side was definitely an advantage in making sure new greenhouse construction projects went together smoothly. As GGS continued to expand, adding new companies and divisions ( JGS Limited, Niagrow Systems, Marijuana Cultivation Facilities ) I took on additional responsibilities becoming the Manager of Niagrow, as well as being part of the Marijuana Cultivation Project Management Team.

It has been exciting utilizing my growing and system knowledge to aid growers.  With large scale growing being second nature for me, it has allowed my transition from grower to project management to be one of confidence.  It is very satisfying when you can successfully ensure your customer is equipped with the best systems and environment for their plants.

Here I am more than 20 years later in the same industry and enjoying every minute of it!