40 Under 40, Class of 2025

Liz Dunbar

BASF

Marketing and product manager for greenhouse/nursery

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

The relationships and network of people I have built in the industry. They have helped me learn the nuance and technical aspect of crop protection. They inspire me to lead and make changes to our business that impact growers in a positive way.
Completing my MBA at Syracuse University. During the program I moved from Charlotte to Raleigh, North Carolina to start a new job. My oldest daughter was a toddler at the time, and then I had my second about 6 months before I was finished. It took perseverance and my incredibly supportive husband to balance a demanding job, being a new mom of two and completing the program with a 3.5 GPA.
Being a part of the GenNext Connector Committee through AmericanHort. I find it rewarding to contribute my time to efforts centered around the next generation of professionals entering our industry. The passion found within this industry is infectious, and the more support we can give to bringing new talent into it is time well spent.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

I started in a different part of BASF working as a communications manager in our Dispersions & Resins division, which has raw materials for paints and coatings. BASF strongly believes in professional development and career progression, so I applied for the open communications role in our Professional & Specialty Solutions group working in the Turf & Ornamentals business.
That was my first taste of the beauty and passion of the horticulture market. Upon the completion of my MBA, my current role opened up and was fully ingrained into the horticulture industry. I have been hooked ever since.

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

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

I get to bring products to growers that help keep their plants healthy so they can be sold at the store.

What are your favorite hobbies?

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

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 love photography as a hobby, specifically macro photography of blooms and foliage. I take most of the marketing pictures we use in publications and slide decks and have some framed in my home.
I am also an ordained minister through the American Marriage Ministries and have married some friends in my backyard.

One thing you can’t live without?

What are you (un)secretly good at?

I am good at bringing people together. I read people very well and form strong relationships both professionally and personally.

What are your top three bucket list items?

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

I love gerbera daisies because of the bright pops of color they bring to gardens and arrangements. I also enjoy photographing them in production and macro photos of their blooms.

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