Kristina Bentz

American Meadows

Business manager

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

• Over the last 3 years, I have slowly been converting about one acre of rocky, weed-filled space on my property to beautiful garden spaces. It has been such a fun experience with lots of learning.
• After having my first kid, I advocated and worked with American Meadows in creating an official maternity leave/family leave policy so anyone else in the future of the company could take the supported leave they need during any life event.
• Being able to go from one industry that I was well established in (outdoor industry) to a completely different one (horticulture) and learn so much along the way.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• I have been in the e-commerce/retail world for over 10 years now. I always loved the challenge that retail brought but personally struggled with the environmental impacts.
• The opportunity at American Meadows to be a category manager for High Country Gardens came up out of the blue, and it immediately piqued my interest. To be able to continue my career in retail but also help individuals make their yard or space more sustainable was the best of both worlds. The bonus was that I also loved to garden and was hungry to learn more about horticulture.

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

• Problem-solving

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

• I get to buy and sell flowers and trees that you can grow in your garden or yard.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Skiing
• Crafting (sewing and knitting)
• Outside adventures with my family

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

• In the garden deciding what to plant next
• Outside with my kids on adventures
• Baking delicious treats

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

• My family owns a little Cessna plane that we love to fly. It has brought us so many places, and we are hoping to fly from coast to coast this summer visiting family and friends along the way.

One thing you can’t live without?

• My Hydroflask waterbottle. It goes everywhere with me.

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• Ski-joring with two Siberian huskies. It takes a lot of coordination and quick reflexes.

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Get my private pilot’s license
• Ski off the top of Mount Hood
• Design and build our own house

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• Agastache. I love that they are natural hummingbird feeders, and their smell is amazing.

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

• Japan