From Okra to Ace

By: Kayleigh Scarborough

Finding the Fit

Horticulture and the outdoors have long been part of the life of Auburn graduate Chandler Pritchett; from an Okra patch on his grandparents’ farm, to working on small row crop farms, to becoming the Garden center Manager of University Ace Hardware at East University Drive, Auburn Alabama.

Pritchett said during an interview, “I’m a big outdoorsman and love being out being outside. When I realized that most of my classes were pretty much going to be outside in horticulture, it really drew me to it.”

On the surface

Pritchett first started working at University Ace hardware right after the initial lockdown of the pandemic as a nearly full-time employee while studying for his bachelor’s degree in horticulture (nursery and greenhouse science) at Auburn University.

Pritchett found that not only did he love the work, but he also loves working with the people.

His job consists primarily of making and maintaining good relationships with his customers. Pritchett said, “My customers always come first… Making sure each of our valued customers leaves with the product and the knowledge they need to complete their project… This customer relationship building is the largest and the most important part of what I do!” People are what his job is mostly about and many that come into University Ace hardware can see that Pritchett is dedicated to fulfilling his customers’ needs. Whether that be making out special orders for his customers or identifying a gallon bag of insects for them.

At the root

Besides the upfront duties there are many other behind the scenes tasks that are the responsibility of the garden center manager. The manager must also make and maintain strong supplier relationships. This means remaining in contact with them and keeping track what each will be supplying based on the season, so he can give customers the best service possible. Many of the suppliers that a garden center manager must work with are nurseries, both in and out of state, growers, hard goods companies and chemical companies. By knowing his suppliers and what each has to offer Pritchett gives his customers reliable information that they can trust and thus help make their dream lawn or garden projects become a reality.

In the garden

The Garden center manager is not only maintaining relationships; he is out in the garden center. He oversees the routine management of the garden center which includes watering, pruning plants, disease treatment and keeping things clean and organized.

Pritchett says that he loves that he can spend the time in the garden center, not only working with the people but also working with the plants.

Branch out

“Start in a garden center to see if that is something that you do enjoy,” said Pritchett when asked how he would advise horticulture students interested in his type of position. He also said that he would tell them to find ways to be involved in horticulture whether that be with the college’s clubs or with their professors.

Pritchett also said, “I wish that I had had time to be more involved. But I’d say do everything you can to be more involved with the school of Ag.”

For those studying at Auburn University there are many opportunities to get involved in almost any field. the Horticulture club is open to the entire student body regardless of major and is dedicated to educating its members in the field of horticulture. Members gain hands-on experience in planting, managing and harvesting plants in the garden and green houses. Plus, they also get the chance to attend meetings and listen to people who are heavily involved in horticulture and learn more about the overall industry.

Grow your Connections

Another resource that many students sometimes overlook are the professors that work at the university. Pritchett says there were three professor “that have always stood out to me…. Dr. Foshee… really spurred on my interest in horticulture. Dr. Bartley instilled knowledge and values in me that I use on a daily basis, and Dr. Weaver has always been extremely personable and knowledgeable.” He says that he would not be where he is today without them.

Pritchett made it clear that getting to know your professors can often make the difference between falling in love with your major and work or continuing to search for the perfect major/job fit.

Learning how

Education in horticulture is vital for those interested the position of garden center manager.

For example, Pritchett said “I use my ID classes everyday…Plant pathology was a life saver… and then economic entomology too is a huge help.”

For this reason, a bachelor’s degree (preferably in horticulture) is one of the requirements to obtain the position as garden center manager at University Ace Hardware.

A Word from the Wise

With the many obstacles in college come many decisions regarding education and future goals and careers. When entering college choosing a major and sticking with it is challenging at best. However, sometimes challenges present changes that lead to your true calling.

Dr. Wheeler Foshee, who received his Ph.D. at Auburn University and is the recipient of many awards (including the Educator Award. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture 2021), said that “Sometimes a closed door can really be an opening to the door that you need to go through.”

So many students struggle with the questions regarding how to get through college. Foshee said that students should “Get in a field that you know that you are interested in; do not take the easy way— dig in deep… be around people that will push you and that you aspire to be like.” These are some the things that he considers to be key in the journey through college.

And as a word of encouragement Foshee says to students, “Be patient with yourself. You can do way more than you think you can, and you can accomplish more than you ever imagined you could.”

Works Cited

“Wheeler G. Foshee.” Auburn. agriculture.auburn.edu/about/directory/faculty/wheeler-g-foshee/

Horticulture club. auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/horticulture

We use cookies to improve your experience and to help us understand how you use our site. Please refer to our cookie notice and privacy policy for more information regarding cookies and other third-party tracking that may be enabled.

© 2020 AgHill Communications

Intuit Mailchimp logo