Expertise:
Planting: Bookkeeping; Managing operations, including sales; Building relationships; Marketing
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading; Spending time with her family; Attending Modesto Symphony concerts at the Gallo Center for the Arts
Affiliations Awards:
President, Stockton Cactus and Succulent Society; Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society
Industry:
Small Business Management
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is building lifelong relationships with her clients.
Charity:
Volunteer Organist and Piano Player, Local Church; Good News Club
Number Of Years In Profession:
37
Number Of Years In Current Position:
23
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her faith in God and love for her profession, as well as the support she receives from her husband Bill.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because her husband began growing cacti as a hobby 36 years ago. They started with one plant and now have far too many to count. They've been operating their nursery business full-time for the past 17 years.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Poot shares her husband's "quiet enthusiasm" for cacti and succulents. The plants can be used to create beautiful landscapes, and are ideally suited to the climate in their area of California, which is very hot in the summer. She notes that their business did very well in 2011 despite the poor condition of the general economy, and is thankful for all of her customers, whether large or small. She is likewise pleased that many customers hear about the nursery from their friends and co-workers. The nursery provides an avenue of introduction to the Stockton Cactus and Succulent Society by distributing brochures to interested customers. Ms. Poot's additional activities include serving as a religious instructor for public school children, volunteering as a church musician, and selling MonaVie products.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Bookkeeping; Managing customer service; Planting and transplanting seeds
Awards/Honors:
Various Awards, Stockton Cactus and Garden Society Show; Featured Business, Local Magazines and Newspapers
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Poot hopes to expand her nursery. She and her husband make some sort of improvements to the business each year; in 2011, they launched a new website that was developed by their youngest son.