Farm Sales and Production Yard

ROB VERLOOP
SALES/PURCHASING

Rob is a graduate of the Niagara College Horticultural Technician program. Over 25 years in the industry, he has spent  over 20 years at Connon’s. Rob’s knowledge and experience are valuable in purchasing, shipping, sales, and customer service.

MANNY LAVRADOR
SALES YARD MANAGER

Starting with Connon in 2000, Manny has done it all!
From delivering plants and product, to assisting with the production of nursery stock, to managing the sales yard at the Robson Road farm. Manny has developed a love and knowledge of plants through his positions and experiences.

GILBERT CABRAL
MANAGER ROBSON FARM | PARKSIDE FARM

Gilbert has been with Connon’s for over 25 years. A graduate of the University of Guelph, he has also complied with the Apprenticeship and Tradesman qualification act. Gilbert has been pruning since the young age of 10, when he began alongside his grandfather in Portugal. The knowledge and skills passed down resulted in a love of pruning and production of top quality trees.

TOM HINKS
QUALITY GROWTH MANAGER

Tom grew up on a farm and has been a lifelong gardener. He has a B.Sc in Botany from the University of Toronto, and an M.Sc in Horticulture from the University of Guelph. He has extensive experience in plant protection, in both conventional and biological control methods. A former owner and operator of a successful landscaping company, Tom has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

MIKE VANWINGERDEN
IN-HOUSE SHIPPING

Mike has worked at Connon’s for over 10 years. Responsible for the production of plant material, Mike’s role is integral to providing quality plants for the landscape. Whether potting, pruning or shipping, Mike does it all with a quick smile and a great sense of humour.

ARNOLD WOUDA
WHOLESALE SALES

Arnold joined us after working for various landscape contractors in the G.T.A. since 1989. He also ran his own company for 3 years. He is responsible for sales outside the G.T.A. and takes pride in the quality of plants and services we provide.

ALAN BLACKBURN
WHOLESALE SALES

Alan served a five year apprenticeship and attended Askham Bryan Horticultural College in England, with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Alan has been with Connon’s over 30 years in the management of the container production.
This year Alan makes a bit of a career change, moving into a sales position .He is ready and waiting for your phone calls.

CVETKA VEG
PRODUCTION PROCESSING MANAGER

Cvetke joined Connon's in 2007.  She contributes to the processing, planting, and potting of trees, shrubs, vines and perennials in the production barn.  Here organizational skills, obtained in her 30 year management career are an asset for producing quality plant growth and development.

FRANCOIS BOOYSEN

Francois has been involved in processing, planting and shipping of perennials and trees since joining the company in 2007.

DAVE BLACKBURN
ORDER PULLING & PROCESSING

Dave has been with Connon since 1993.  In that time he has been involved with all areas of the production of nursery stock.  At present he pulls orders & processes for all our yards. He makes it his top priority to make sure everything is up to standards for our customers.