Meet the New Faces at Harrell’s, Oasis, and Terra Nova

Harrell’s, Oasis Grower Solutions, and Terra Nova Nurseries have announced the following additions to their respective teams.

Oasis Grower Solutions Strengthens Team with New Plant Scientist Timothy Frey, Ph.D.

Oasis Grower Solutions, a division of Smithers-Oasis Company, has announced that Timothy S. Frey, Ph.D., has joined the Oasis Grower Solutions team as Plant Scientist.

“I’m very excited to have Tim as part of our team,” says Director of Global Grower Operations & Research Vijay Rapaka, Ph.D. “Research is critical as we work to advance the science of growing across markets, from floriculture to controlled environment agriculture. In filling this role, we set high standards and endured a long, comprehensive search. Tim is uniquely equipped to help lead our research for the betterment of these industries. I’m extremely pleased to have him on board.”

The position of Plant Scientist at Oasis Grower Solutions has a special emphasis on specialty substrates for propagation, soilless cultivation, and hydroponic production, as well as the development of sustainable and biobased solutions to improve growth and quality of crops. Dr. Frey will collaborate closely with others in both plant science research and the successful development and launch of new products.

“I am excited to join a dynamic research team that is pushing the boundaries of innovation to solve challenges that growers face throughout the production cycle,” says Dr. Frey. “I look forward to contributing my diverse horticultural experience, bringing fresh perspectives to the team to help solve the increasingly complicated problems that growers face.”

Dr. Frey received his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from The Ohio State University, where he also received his B.S. in Plant Health Management with a minor in Horticulture.

In addition to experience in the perennial and annual production industry, his background includes research on disease and substrates in hydroponic vegetable production, including topics such as microbial communities in hydroponic lettuce systems and the impact of algal biofilms on human pathogens in hydroponic systems.

In his new role, Dr. Frey plans to use a variety of approaches to tackle the challenges of enhancing the growth and performance of ornamental and hydroponic crops, disease and insect management, and the post-harvest quality of ornamental potted plants.

Brett Konjoian Joins Harrell’s Greenhouse Division

Industry veteran Brett Konjoian has joined the Greenhouse Division at Harrell’s. The Greenhouse Division was established to expand reach in the greenhouse industry, providing expert insights and resources to greenhouse professionals nationwide.

Brett Konjoian is the newest territory manager, bringing a lifelong passion for the green industry to his work daily. Growing up in Massachusetts, he spent much of his youth working in his family’s greenhouse business, where he developed an appreciation for horticulture, hard work, and building lasting relationships. Brett earned a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University and went on to build his career across the turf and ornamental industry.

Before joining Harrell’s, Konjoian spent five years as a territory manager at Syngenta, helping greenhouse and nursery growers find practical solutions to achieve their goals. In joining the newly announced Greenhouse Division, he brings the team up to nine territory managers. To get in touch with Brett, the greenhouse team, or a different Harrell’s Rep,  visit harrells.com/findrep.

Terra Nova Nurseries Expands its Sales Team

Terra Nova Nurseries welcomes two new members to its sales team: Emma McCune, who joined as a Sales Representative in April, and Brad Johnson, who joined as East Coast Sales Representative in October. Bringing diverse horticultural backgrounds and a shared commitment to customer success, both are helping connect growers, retailers, and gardeners with Terra Nova’s innovative plant genetics.

For more in-depth information about each hire, and to read the personal bios of both McCune and Johnson, click here.