The goal of the internship program at Willoway Nurseries, Inc. is to prepare students for their future careers in the horticulture industry. If positions are available and interns meet qualifications, they usually are the first choice for employment at Willoway Nurseries, Inc. We are in the process of “molding our next generation of employees,” says President, Tom Demaline. Interns from 2006, 2007, and previous years have become a part of the Willoway staff as nursery specialists.

2006 Intern Summarizes Experience at Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

“Willoway Nurseries was able to offer me experiences that no other nursery could and I learned from some of the most experienced managers in the industry. Normally if something new comes out in the nursery industry Willoway is trying it or already has—from growing methods to automation. Being one of the largest nurseries in Ohio they are able to have a good internship program where you can see every aspect from production and shipping, to sales and marketing. What ever interests you in the nursery industry, Willoway has something to offer. Some of the things that make them stand out are: being part of the Novalis program, growing their own tree liners, working with the USDA to test different growing conditions, growing a vast variety of plant material, and embracing automation. It was definitely worth my time to tour the nursery when I was looking for a place to intern at. I left feeling confident that this was the place. You need to come with a good attitude and be prepared to work, show them that you are willing to learn, and get your hands dirty. In return you get hands on experience and knowledge about many aspects of the nursery industry.” – Todd Barnett Pot-in-pot foreman specialist Agricultural Technical Institute graduate

Todd was an intern from Ohio State ATI in the summer of 2006. He was hired full-time upon the completion of his internship as a foreman specialist in our pot-in-pot division at Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

2007 Internship

Hannah Steidl, also from OSU ATI, was our intern for the 2007 season. Upon completion of her internship, she was offered a full time position as a nursery specialist. Hannah accepted the position and is working with OARDC on fertilizer application research, along with other pest and disease management procedures at Willoway. Below are pictures of Hannah as an intern.

Hannah working with our crews on quality control

Greenhouse Manager/Corporate Vice President, Cathy Kowalczyk, spends the day with Hannah teaching her about the Huron Greenhouse operation.

“Willoway has helped me to see how organization and planning are key to running a successful nursery. I will apply a lot of the same general rules of planning if I ever own or manage a nursery. The most enjoyable part of my internship experience with Willoway so far has been “learning more about the nursery in general, but getting the perspective from many employees about the industry.” – Hannah Steidl, 2007 Willoway Nurseries, Inc. Intern

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