Employee Spotlight: Sherri Wolfe

Q: Can you share a little about your work background and how you got your start at Star® Roses and Plants?  

A: My early career started in the medical field, primarily Oncology, working both as a receptionist and back-office assistant, as well as a phlebotomist. Eventually I transitioned into administrative assistant roles for private organizations while working around my full-time job as being “MOM.”

My start at Star® Roses and Plants is simply because I took a chance and applied for a “Customer Service” opening for a rose company posted in our local newspaper. I thought to myself, I love roses and that sounds like it might be a fun job! And now, 10 years later, here I am, working for the leading Star® Roses and Plants. I’ve been privileged to work and see the growth and changes our company has made over the past 10 years. It’s been very exciting! But I think the best is yet to come. I look forward to seeing what is ahead.  

Q: What are a few aspects of your typical workday? 

A: I work closely with customers, Territory Managers, and suppliers via telephone and email to help ensure orders are correct, complete and arrive when needed. Having the title of Sales Operations Coordinator / Customer Service allows me to be involved with every aspect of the order from start to finish if needed.

Q: What is one thing about your role that you enjoy, or an aspect of your job that you feel especially equipped to succeed in? 

A: I love the relationships that I’ve been able to make with our customers, suppliers, and my own team members throughout the years. Some of our customers I have had the privilege to meet in person, and some only over the phone, but the value of feeling like you’re talking with friends when you take their call or correspond via email with them is priceless. I hope they feel the same way. 

Q: We’re lucky to work with a product that is beautiful and alive: plants! Can you speak to how that affects you and the way you do your work? 

A: We sell the best and I strive to always give my best. I know how lucky I am to have a job where I get to work with and alongside an amazing team here at Star® Roses and Plants, as well as working with great customers, who grow and sell our beautiful plants. Our plants literally brighten up landscapes, bring color to patios, or can simply bring a smile to someone’s face as they walk through a garden, not just in the United States, but around the world. That’s pretty special!

Q: What is something that surprises you about the horticulture industry?  

A: The generations of family companies/farmers that continue to support and grow the industry. 

Q: I’m sure you’ve seen many trends come and go over the years. What’s one trend or plant that you wish would have taken off and stuck?

A: I think we should bring The Weeping Rose Tree back into production. It’s been several years since we offered it and I think it could make a comeback!

Q: It’s hard to choose a favorite plant, but what is one that you particularly love right now?  

A: Oh, you’re right, there are so many! But I love a strong, fragrant cutting rose, so I would say Princess Charlene De Monaco®.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’ve received or one thing you’ve learned from working in the horticulture industry? 

A: Life is like a plant, “Bloom where you’re planted.” 

Q: The 25th Anniversary of The Knock Out® Rose is coming up in 2025. Do you have a personal Knock Out® story? Why do you think it has been so revolutionary? 

A: I think that Knock Out® varieties tell their own story! They are easy to grow, disease resistant, and look amazing in your landscape. But to add to that, it has been very exciting to see Knock Out® evolve and see our new releases, Easy-Bee-zy™ and Orange Glow™, as well as our Petite Knock Out®.

Q: When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun? 

A: I love anything that gets me outside in nature, but especially camping and off road 4×4 adventures. The more remote the better! I also enjoy being creative, designing, and decorating. Turning the old, tarnished, dingy, and unexpected into something beautiful. But most of all, spending time with my family and my 2-year-old granddaughter, Lexi.