Ryan McEnaney

Bailey Nurseries

Marketing and communications manager

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

• As a theater kid growing up in Minnesota, I always dreamed of working in entertainment. I lived that dream in the first part of my career as a publicist for A-list celebrities and musicians.
• Building a top-notch team of creative, talented marketing professionals is one of my proudest accomplishments. Coaching team members to envision their future, earn promotions and create new career paths has been the greatest reward of leadership.
• I’m grateful to have introduced plants to new audiences by spearheading out-of-industry activations and partnerships with the Super Bowl, Netflix’s Queer Eye and more.
• In 2025, I completed the industry-focused executive mini-MBA EAGL program alongside my brother Dan. As fifth-generation family members in our business, it was a privilege to take on this deep-dive strategic planning together.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• I had the incredible opportunity to grow up around plants and work at Bailey during high school. Digging in the dirt from an early age gave me a deep appreciation for horticulture — one that stayed with me even as I pursued a career outside the business.
• When I moved back to Minnesota, I was grateful to return to the industry, and for the past 12 years at Bailey I’ve had the joy of celebrating both the people and the plants of horticulture every day.

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 get to talk about plants all day.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Travel 
• Trying new foods
• Reading
• Music

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

• Spending time with family 
• Exploring new cities
• At a theater show or concert

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

• People are often surprised to learn that I earned my pilot’s license when I turned 18. I had always loved flying and took the classes alongside my dad. I passed the test just before leaving for college, but with school and work keeping me busy, I never flew again. It was an incredible experience, and I’d love to get back in the air someday.

One thing you can’t live without?

• My family and dogs

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• It’s not a huge secret, but I am a singer. I did musical theater for much of my life and still love to sing any chance I get.

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Traveling through Australia and New Zealand

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• This is an impossible question. I truly do love hydrangeas, but my favorite underutilized plant for spring flowers in cool climates is ‘Lotus Moon’ Pearlbush. It’s such a bright welcome to spring, plus great multi-season interest, that I put it in every garden that I can.

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

• The Pacific Rim, from Australia and New Zealand up through Asia, then back down through Peru and Chile