Andy Fields

Goodmark Nurseries

Head grower and IPM manager

What 3 to 4 professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• Being one of the leaders of the GenNext group for AmericanHort has been really great. I feel like our whole group is full of motivated individuals, and we have delivered some great content and opportunities for members of the industry.
• Speaking at Cultivate last year (and this upcoming year) was really exciting and were full-circle moments for me personally. I went to my first Cultivate a few months into my career, and being able to be a part of the education sessions now 7 years later was a fulfilling experience.
• Continuing to build up and scale a small business has been very fun. I enjoy coming to work with our team and going through our successes and failures together. Seeing greenhouses getting built, new positions being created and more plants being planted every year has been a great experience. I am very grateful for our team here and all the work they put in.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• I always enjoyed being and working outdoors and after college was given an opportunity to work at a nursery as an assistant grower, and it really clicked for me.
• I really enjoy all aspects of the industry, and it’s really cool to meet new people and connect over the love of plants. People in the industry are very down to earth and fun to work with.

What’s the best thing about your job? (Please select one)

• Co-workers

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I am a tree farmer.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Getting mad at Cleveland sports teams.

When you’re not working, what are 2 to 3 things we could find you doing?

• Hanging out with my wife and dog at the park 
• Exploring new restaurants in Chicago
• Kayaking

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• Settlers of Catan

What are your top three bucket list items?

• See the monarchs in El Rosario
• Visit as many national parks as I can
• See Machu Picchu

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• My favorite deciduous tree is a sugar maple, and my favorite evergreen is eastern hemlock. 

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• It wouldn’t be a single destination but more of a full adventure to many places.

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out?

• I have always been really into keeping fish, turtles and frogs as pets since I was a kid. Currently, I have a couple of pet turtles and some aquariums at home.
• I enjoy how most of the time they are relaxing and low-maintenance pets after a long day at the nursery.

One thing you can’t live without?

• My pug Gouda.