Nathan Nordstedt

Control Solutions/Quali-Pro

Technical services manager, turf & ornamental

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

• Developed a collection of over 1,000 novel microbial strains that are being evaluated for the development of sustainable bioproducts aimed at enhancing the quality of ornamental crops.
• Authored 6-plus peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, advancing biostimulant research and contributing to the broader scientific understanding of their role in horticulture crops.
• Led research and technical development for multiple plant protection products, helping greenhouse growers address evolving challenges and optimize crop production.
• Hiked over 890 miles across national parks with my family, combining my love for nature and quality time with loved ones.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• My love for plants began in my great-grandmother’s garden, where I spent countless hours learning to nurture flowers and vegetables, fascinated by how plants grow and thrive. That early passion led me to open my own greenhouse business, where I gained firsthand experience in cultivation and plant care. 
• While my career has evolved beyond the greenhouse, I’ve stayed in the horticulture industry not only because of my love for plants but also because of the incredible people. This industry is filled with passionate, innovative and supportive individuals, and that sense of community has kept me rooted here.

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

• It is challenging

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

• I help create new products that plant growers can use to protect their plants from insects and diseases

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Backpacking
• Gardening
• Cooking
• Puzzles

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

• In the kitchen prepping dinner for friends or family 
• Taking a long walk or hike with the dogs 
• Planning the next home project I want my husband to do

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

• One thing people might be surprised to learn about me is my love for hosting dinner parties and cooking for family and friends. Sharing food with others is truly my love language — there’s nothing better than spending an entire evening in the kitchen, surrounded by good company, preparing a meal together.
• The best moments happen over a home-cooked meal, where conversation flows, laughter is abundant and everyone feels at home. Whether it’s trying out a new recipe or making a longtime favorite, I find so much joy in creating an experience that brings people together.

One thing you can’t live without?

• Dirty gin martinis

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• Cooking the perfect steak

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Hike in all of the national parks
• Witness the cherry blossom season in Japan 
• Open a small cut flower farm

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• My favorite plant is the ‘Royal Star’ magnolia. This was the first tree I ever planted with my great-grandmother, and every spring I would visit her to see our tree blossoming together. These trees always remind me of those cherished moments we shared in her garden that shaped my passion for horticulture.

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

• I’m booking a long trip to Japan and finally crossing off experiencing the cherry blossom season from my bucket list.