By Meg Amendola
When Bob Conner began his career in horticulture 40 years ago, he didn’t foresee becoming a fixture in Colorado’s greenhouse and nursery industry.
A young man new to Colorado, Bob answered an ad for a warehouse worker position at DWF Grower Supply. That chance decision brought him from humble beginnings as a forklift driver to becoming a beloved figure in the industry.
Now, as Bob transitions to retirement, the Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association (CNGA) reflects on his remarkable journey—a story of hard work, relationships and an enduring passion for the green industry.
Early Days: Finding Passion at a Round Table
Bob’s career began in the spring of 1983 when he answered a warehouse job ad for DWF Grower Supply. “I was young and broke,” Bob recalled with a laugh, “but Dave Wagner liked me and gave me a chance.” That chance turned into a long-term opportunity as Bob transitioned from a warehouse worker to counter sales associate and eventually purchasing agent. He quickly developed an affinity for the industry, shaped by his experiences with the community of growers bringing in carnations and roses for grading.
“I’ll never forget the roundtable discussions with those growers,” Bob said. “They’d drink terrible coffee, smoke like chimneys, and solve all the problems of the world.” Listening to their stories and advice led him to his embracement of this unfamiliar form of agriculture.
One nugget of wisdom came from Dr. Ken Goldsberry, who described horticulture as “farming with a roof.” That perspective, Bob says, has grounded him throughout his career. “No matter what you’re growing—wheat, corn, or petunias—the basics are the same: grow X amount, sell it for Y, and make Z profit. It’s simple but profound.”
Building a Career: Mentors and Milestones
Bob credits his success to key mentors who shaped his work ethic and philosophy. Among them was Dave Wagner, who gave Bob his first big break at DWF. “Dave had a work ethic like no other,” Bob recalls fondly. “I owe my entire career to him.
He joined Gard’N-Wise on November 1, 1984. Bob’s tenure at Gard’n-Wise is filled with accomplishments demonstrating his knack for innovation and relationship-building. Notably, he helped organize the region’s first distributor trade show—a pioneering effort at the time.
Bob returned to DWF in June of 2008 as the Department Manager. DWF began having their own distributor trade shows and had many years of growth and success with the strong team that was in place along with new hires that shined.
From DWF to his role at Griffin Greenhouse Supplies, Bob thrived in family-owned businesses, appreciating their commitment to community and collaboration, and contributed to the company’s expansion west of the Mississippi. “It started as a two-man show,” he says. “The momentum of our growth was as exciting as anything I’ve done. Under his stewardship, the Griffin branch in Colorado became a trusted resource for local growers.
A Changing Industry
Over four decades, Bob has witnessed the horticulture industry evolve in remarkable ways. When he started, Colorado was the carnation capital of the world, but globalization soon shifted production to South America. Local growers adapted quickly, pivoting to bedding plants. “It was inspiring to see growers take risks and reinvent themselves,” Bob says. “I saw greenhouses transformed overnight.”
From the old days of clay pots, greenhouse coverings that wouldn’t last and everything being done manually, Bob has seen firsthand how technological advancements have revolutionized the industry. “When I started, we didn’t have automation,” Bob explains. “Everything was done by hand—watering, planting, unloading. Now, we have booms, drip irrigation, and soil mixes tailored to exact needs.”
Not to mention the start of what would eventually become ProGreen Expo: Bob recalled how, in the early 80s, the CGGA and CNA were separate trade associations, with the CGGA hosting its trade show at the old Greystone Castle near 120th and I-25. Picture this: a dozen tables squeezed into a hallway, a single conference room for seminars and lunch, and a budding vision for collaboration.
Yet, Bob notes, some challenges persist. Independent garden centers (IGCs) must distinguish themselves from big-box stores by emphasizing quality and expertise. “Never be afraid to charge what you’re worth,” Bob advises. “This isn’t a hobby; it’s a business.”
One of his favorite memories was helping Griffin Greenhouse Supplies expand west of the Mississippi. “It was just me, a laptop, and a catalog for the first year,” he said. “Starting from scratch and watching the company grow was one of the most exciting experiences of my career.”
Legendary Moments and Relationships
Ask anyone about Bob, and you’ll likely hear tales of camaraderie and good humor. The trade shows he helped organize weren’t just business—they were community events. “Those bus trips to Blackhawk were legendary,” he says, grinning. “One year, our bus was stuck in traffic, so we opened my truck’s tailgate, grabbed a tablecloth, and set up a full bar. It was a blast.”
These moments of levity punctuated a career built on serious dedication. Bob’s relationships with customers weren’t just transactional; they were partnerships. “Being part of someone’s success is the most rewarding part of this job,” he says. “Seeing businesses like The Flower Bin, The Tree Farm and Gulley Greenhouse thrive gives me so much pride.”
Bob’s efforts extended beyond individual businesses to the broader horticulture community. His contributions to CNGA helped foster industry collaboration and growth. “I learned early on that we’re all in this together,” he said. “Supporting the industry as a whole is just as important as growing your own business.”
Thank Yous and Acknowledgements
Over a 40-year career in the industry, certain individuals leave a lasting impression, shaping not only your journey but the industry itself. For Bob, the foundation of his success began at home. “My family always kept me grounded. My fantastic wife of 43 years was the backbone of my career—not a mentor, but a true partner,” he shared.
Mentorship also played a pivotal role. Dave Wagner, a name that still resonates, was a standout influence. “I owe my entire career to him. His work ethic was like no other, and I’ll never forget the day he left DWF to join Gard’n-Wise.”
Opportunities often come from those willing to take a chance, as was the case with Steve and Marc Wise. “They had only had Gard’n-Wise open in this market for a few years when they took a chance on a 24-year-old kid. I will be eternally grateful to them and their family for the opportunity they gave me.”
Early customers also made a profound impact. Gene and Evelyn Yoshihara stand out not just for their business partnership but for their trust. “Gene was one of my first customers. He empowered his son-in-law, Brian Wheat, to make his new garden center successful, and together we turned it into a juggernaut. The lessons I learned during those years stayed with me throughout my career.“
Collaboration with peers also brought valuable lessons. “The cut flower growers at that big round table at DWF taught me so much. Simply by listening and responding, I learned what customers expect.“ Albert Tagawa, Al Gerace, Tedo Spano, Neno Spano, Roxie Petrafeso, Jerrol Novacek and the Yantarno family stand out as key players in those formative years.
Others in the industry provided critical insights. “Ron Arpin was always willing to teach me the priorities of a grower and discuss solutions to problems. That intrigued me and taught me so much about collaboration.”
Finally, the Gulley family exemplified what it means to run a family business. “Jim and Jan Gulley were early customers who had just started their family and company. I learned that in a family business, everyone is involved—even the kids! I used to bring small treats to keep their girls busy while we wrote their early orders.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For those just entering the field, Bob offers simple but profound advice: “Listen, listen, listen. Step outside your comfort zone and try new things. This industry has endless opportunities, and you don’t need to have a green thumb to succeed.”
He also emphasizes the importance of focusing on relationships. “Salesmanship 101 is identifying your customer’s needs and meeting them,” Bob said. “It’s a give-and-take relationship, like any other.”
What’s Next?
Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down for Bob. He plans to spend time with his eight grandchildren, visit his son and daughter-in-law in Panama, and perhaps even return to the industry in a smaller capacity. “I doubt I can stay away too long,” he says. “This industry has been too good to me.”
When asked what legacy he hopes to leave, Bob’s answer is simple and heartfelt: “Find your niche and perfect it. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on what you do best, and never stop improving.”
Thank You, Bob
Bob Conner’s career is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and community. As CNGA celebrates his retirement, we thank him for the countless ways he’s enriched Colorado’s horticulture industry. Bob, your humor, wisdom, and dedication will be missed in the day-to-day—but your legacy will continue to bloom for years to come. Congratulations, Bob—you’ve earned it.
