Hort Americas introduces New Employee, Maria (Bellrose) Luitjohan

My introduction to the Horticulture industry started when I could walk.  I grew up in a family greenhouse business, in Wildwood, MO.  I always enjoyed working at the greenhouse; seeing what was new and up and coming in the industry, networking with customers, and of course setting out mums on the hottest day of the year in the mum field…well maybe not that mum thing, but its all part of the industry.  I studied horticulture at the University of Missouri – Columbia.  During that time I ventured out with my internships at Ball Horticultural as a trial garden intern, during Ball’s centennial anniversary.  The next summer I spent at Goldsmith Seeds as a Breeder intern, that’s where I learned the value of a newly introduced plant variety.  

For the past five years I worked as a Regional Supply Manager for Ball Horticultural managing young plant supply in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Eastern Canada.  I learned the value of strong supply chain and quality input products to making greenhouses successful.  

Getting married in June 2012 to a native from St. Louis, MO.  We decided being close to family was important enough to leave our careers in Chicago and seek out new opportunities.   I’m excited to be joining Hort Americas, LLC. I will be focused on Marketing, continuing to improve our website and working in customer service to make sure our customers receive the best customer care!