Linda Ortiz Post date April 6, 2021 Linda is our grading and seed prep supervisor, she also assists Dr. Hartman with his breeding program. Linda joined our Classic team in 2008.
Teresa Lopez Post date April 6, 2021 Joining Classic in 2005, Teresa can be found overseeing Classic’s commercial shipping, as well as serving as our de-eyeing and bulb painting supervisor.
Sharon Cobb Post date April 6, 2021 Sharon is front and center in the Lobby and usually the first person that greets our guests. Sharon preforms many tasks such as wholesale order entry, new employee hiring, and assisting Lesley with the online retail customers. Sharon joined us 2017. Email: scobb@classiccaladiumsllc.com Phone: Ext 215
Bobby Woods Bobby Woods Post date April 6, 2021 Maintaining the various machines and equipment required at our farm, Bobby can be found at the farm shop when not assisting Gary in farm operations. He started at the farm in 2008
Olivia Hernandez Post date April 6, 2021 Olivia helps get our commercial orders out – bulbs and live plants during our busy shipping season. Olivia joined Classic in 2013.
Ofelia Gamez Post date March 31, 2021 When joining Classic in 2003, Ofelia’s first job was washing bulbs. Working closely with Gary Henderson, farm manager, she has grown into one of his primary go-to team members, now wearing many hats at the Classic 850 acre farm. From special projects to supervising spring planting crews then watching over her rows of caladiums, she and her team perform season-long weeding and rogueing (making sure an errant Red Flash plant isn’t growing in the Allure caladium row,) including acres of elephant ears and cannas, and then overseeing the bulb washing after the bulbs are harvested. Married 47 years, husband Jorge and Ofelia are the proud parents of 8 (including 2 sets of twins)and have 19 grandchildren.
Rachel Wright Post date March 29, 2021 Rachel is a great no nonsense bookkeeper and a real asset to our company financial management. Rachel has many business related experiences including managing the books for her husband’s business. Phone: (863) 453-0014 Extension: 205 Email: rwright@classiccaladiumsllc.com
Rob Hartman Post date October 8, 2020 Wearing many hats, you will find Rob overseeing the Warehouse plant and equipment, bulb sales and management duties in our operations center. Contact Rob Phone: (863) 453-0014 Extension Email: rhartman@classiccaladiumsllc.com
Clay Wallace Post date October 8, 2020 In keeping the trend of all Classic Caladium employees, Clay wears many hats. His main contribution as Head Grower is the Finished and Pre-Finished potted plant program, which ships all across the US including Canada. Clay also plans the Classic Display Gardens (fresh every year) which showcases Classic’s variety offering for the public every fall in our Fall Open House and our commercial customer tours every September. Other areas overseen by Clay are Program R&D and onsite retail sales, as well as, fielding Grower/Consumer questions. Contact Clay: Phone: (863) 463-0014 extension 214
Lesley Hernandez Post date October 8, 2020 Lesley oversees the bulk of our growing retail market. Fulfillment manager, web management and media promotions are just some of the hats she wears. Contact Lesley Phone: (863) 453-0014 extension 107 Email: lesley.h@classiccaladiumsllc.com
Dr. Robert Hartman Post date September 30, 2020 Dr. Robert Hartman, PhD, is a University of Florida graduate with degrees in Plant Pathology and Entomology and a minor in Ornamental Horticulture. Upon graduation, Bob joined the Ball Seed Company. In 1977 he established his own plant cloning business which he sold to Ciba Geigy in 1984. Bob has worked for or managed several major horticultural businesses including Twyford International Inc. Dr. Hartman is responsible for developing new varieties of caladiums and has introduced many of his creations to the public. He also works extensively to clean up and rejuvenate old varieties utilizing tissue/cell culture techniques. Email: bhartman@classiccaladiumsllc.com
Jimmy Lipscomb Post date September 30, 2020 With 12 years in the industry, Jimmy oversees our freight logistics and assists our customers and brokers. He also manages the operations staff. Jimmy brings knowledge of the retail big box business and his analytical skills. Jimmy is married and has 2 Children and 3 Step-children. In Jimmy’s spare time he does some remodeling and enjoys being outdoors hiking, kayaking and traveling. Phone: (863) 453-0014 ext; 204 Email: jlipscomb@classiccaladiumsllc.com
Gary Henderson Post date September 30, 2020 Farm manager since our start in 2000, Gary has overseen the rise of our 850 acre production farm. Gary works closely with the state of Florida and many Agricultural groups with cultivation and trials to continually improve our practices and stewardship of our land. This in turn improves our bulb quality and performance. Gary has a core staff of 10-15 that help manage daily life on the farm. During harvest and planting season, the farm can employee over 60 people. Email: ghenderson964@gmail.com