Hines Reaching Into Past For Leadership

Hines Reaching Into Past For Leadership

Hines Nurseries recently restructured its executive management team, naming Steve Thigpen president and chief executive officer, Joe Gray chief operating officer and Mike Trebing senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Thigpen, like Gray and Trebing, is making his return to Hines. He has more than 25 years executive experience–many of which he previously spent at Hines Nurseries.

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“I love the company and what Hines stands for–quality, reliability and integrity,” he says. “It’s in my blood and I’m eager to revitalize our company and forge ahead to grow the business.

“(We’re) focused on restoring our customer relationships across all sales channels and improving the company’s profitability to make Hines more competitive.”

Gray, who returned to Hines last November, has more than 20 years of experience in sales and operations, new product management and budget development.

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“Hines has the core talent of people to plan, produce and ship quality, high value plants,” Gray says. “We are looking for new plants, programs and services to reach our ever-evolving market.”

“With this team at the helm of Hines, we’re well on the path to realizing our vision,” says Chris Parker, chairman of the board of Hines. “For almost 90 years, Hines has grown to become the largest purveyor of color plants and shrubs in North America. We welcome their talent and experience to regain the company’s leadership position in the horticulture industry.”

Trebing, like Thigpen and Gray, wants to return Hines to its former high level of customer service.

“Hines was once the leader in customer satisfaction,” says Trebing, who returned to Hines last year after leading the company’s sales and marketing efforts for 25 years. “We plan to exceed those levels as we transition this company into the future.”

Thigpen, Gray, and Trebing share a love for Hines that stems from days together beginning in the 1980s.

“We have had our sights on getting back to Hines and continuing its legacy of offering outstanding plants and providing stellar company service,” Gray says.

Hines Nurseries has commercial nursery facilities that span more than 4,000 acres located throughout the United States, including Arizona, California, Texas and Oregon. As of last January, Hines purchased certain assets of the former Hines entities. The company emerged from bankruptcy with less debt and is working to regain a leadership position in the industry.

For more information on Hines, visit its website at HinesHorticulture.com.

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