Based in Florida, Bogdon will also work with Florida Foundation Seed Producers to provide growers who have been impacted by Huanglongbing disease (HLB or citrus-greening disease) with the opportunity to access true-to-type, virus and disease-free rootstock that is also tolerant to HLB.
Bogdon brings more than 17 years of experience in specialty agriculture to his new role. Mostly recently, he was group publisher of the U.S. horticulture group Meister Media Worldwide (Meister Media) where he managed sales, editorial and circulation for its publications, including American and Western Fruit Grower, American Vegetable Grower, Florida Grower, Greenhouse Grower and Greenhouse Grower Technology. During his time with Meister Media, Bogdon also held roles as the southern sales representative and associate publisher where he led the company to four consecutive years of record growth.
“We’re excited to welcome Gerry to the team and look forward to collaborating with him to strengthen relationships with citrus growers in Florida and around the world,” said Ken Hunt, CEO of Phytelligence. “The combination of Gerry’s experience in sales and agriculture, and his extensive network of contacts in the citrus industry will help further our mission to provide all growers with the highest quality food crops.”
Bogdon’s expertise in horticulture is intertwined with more than 25 years in sales and profit/loss management experience. Prior to his time at Meister Media, he was the district sales manager for R.H. Donnelley Sprint, Bell Atlantic and BellSouth where he honed his abilities to grow revenue by increasing existing accounts and prospecting new relationships.
“Gerry has deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities faced by growers in the citrus segment of the market,” said Hunt. “His expertise and understanding of growers’ needs will be instrumental in providing growers with the information and resources required to thrive in a changing market.”
“I’m eager to join Phytelligence and continue developing relationships with citrus growers in Florida and around the world,” said Bogdon. “After closely covering the agricultural industry for the past 17 years and witnessing Phytelligence’s recent disruption, I’m excited to connect and communicate with growers in a new manner and help them achieve success through integrating new tissue culture practices.”
Janae Frisch and AnnMarie Henriksson
Tel: +1 206-282-4923 ext. 125
E-mail: phytelligence@communiquepr.com