Jonathan Buswell

Monrovia

Director of automation

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

• Using computer simulation to train myself on operating forestry equipment and turned that training into a real-world job in forestry operations. This amazing opportunity drove me to develop my background in drone-based data capture. 
• Starting my own small business that provides drone-based solutions for customers. I was introduced to drones back in 2015, using a drone to scout for wet spots in fields and passing that information onto equipment operators to avoid costly downtime.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry? 

• My wife Katie followed a dream and got her horticulture degree and began working in the sales department at Monrovia Nurseries. When an IT position opened up, she recommended me for the job.
• It was a great opportunity to join the team at Monrovia and I am so glad to be in this industry with the ability to create some solutions for the future of nursery production.

What’s the best thing about your job?

• Company environment

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

• I fly drones and help people make their jobs easier with robots.

What are your favorite hobbies? 

• Aviation photography

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

• Weather watching
• Plane spotting
• Salmon fishing

What are you (un)secretly good at? 

• Backcountry navigation

What are your top three bucket list items? 

• Witness a SpaceX launch in person
• Ride in the backseat of an F16 AirForce Jet
• Discover a new variety of plant in the nursery

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 attained my private pilot’s license in 2013 to achieve a lifelong dream of flying.

One thing you can’t live without? 

• Traveling to new places

What’s your favorite plant variety and why? 

• Calathea — I love their appearance and they appeal to my photographer side allowing for some great time-lapse.

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

• European road trip