After nearly four decades in the horticultural industry, Don O’Connor has become a familiar face and friend to many during his sales career. Following Don's retirement, we had the chance to sit down with him and delve into his incredible 39-year career in the industry.
Don’s journey into sales began after working with Air New Zealand for 17 years as an aircraft engineer. “Working for Air New Zealand, we got cheap travel, and that’s what got me into wanting to have a sub-tropical garden, seeing all these amazing gardens overseas and seeing what we could grow in New Zealand”. Looking for a change of pace after leaving Air New Zealand and wanting to utilize his passion and knowledge for gardening and plants, he purchased a commercial space in Herne Bay and built it into a garden center. After a couple of years, he decided to sell the business and began working as a sales rep, selling plants across Auckland and Hamilton, first for Andersons and then Zealandia. Don said, “It was great; I had a boot full of plants and went from shop to shop 5 days a week building up these relationships with stores.”
Eventually, Don came and joined the team at Gellerts, marking the beginning of a 17-year partnership. Still selling plants out of the boot of his car of course. As Don said, “I walk into a garden centre and can tell what they need and what they’ve sold – that personal touch makes a huge difference and was one of the best parts about sales”. Seeing customers' reactions to plants and the joy they bring is another reason Don has loved what he does. “Plant people are really lovely to deal with- customers, they become friends over time”. When asked what his favourite plants to sell might be Don has said, “Orchids, they’d have to be my favourite. They used to be such an elite type of plant that only the occasional person would have one. But through nurseries like Gellerts growing so many, and such vibrant colours, they’ve become more commonplace and something everyone can enjoy, which is wonderful.” Being able to predict what plants will be coming in and out of style, as well as what a store may prefer, has been yet another reason for Dons' success.
We also discussed the rise in popularity of houseplants and making greenspaces in our homes, “It’s good for us. I get so much joy out of the garden and the different seasons; I don’t mind seasons”. Anyone who knows Don also knows he loves vibrant and colourful plants, “It gives you something different, things change in the garden and gardens need personality and colour”.
Don's passion extends beyond sales, he is a keen gardener who loves sharing his plant knowledge. Don has even opened his garden to the public, educating others on how to grow a subtropical garden, some of which started as old samples he had been selling. “I love going to places like Rarotonga and Hawaii to see the plants they have and how they grow. When we had samples, I would pop them in the garden to see what would work and what didn’t in Auckland's climate because it is a bit subtropical. So, it was survival of the fittest as it were”. His genuine interest in plants and people shines through as he shares his insights and knowledge with everyone.
Don leaves an incredible legacy of knowledge, passion, and the joy of all things green. His dedication to the horticultural industry and his genuine connections with customers have made him a beloved figure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of plants and people. On behalf of everyone at Gellerts we wish Don all the best for his well-earned retirement. May this new chapter be filled with relaxation, adventures, and cherished moments with the people he loves.
