Meet our team

Gene is the President and Owner of Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1985 and studied wildlife and fisheries at the University of Tennessee. Gene started at Willow Ridge in 1989 as a summer job but quickly fell in love with the industry. From working his way from landscaper to president, Gene has become extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the garden center and landscaping. He has been on many landscape and garden center tours from London, England, to Victoria, British Columbia, and various areas in between, gaining knowledge and experience from some of the best companies in the business. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter, as well as fishing and hiking. Gene also loves all things Vols and attending different UT sporting events.

Greg is our COO and Operations Manager. He came to Willow Ridge in March 1996 after 15 years of experience in his family’s restaurant and nightclub business. Greg is a graduate of Bearden High School, where he emphasized his studies in their four-year Ornamental Horticulture program. Greg is our resident celebrity and has made himself a name as “Greg the Friendly Garden Guy” in our media and radio commercials. His catchphrase, “Get your hands dirty. It’s good for you!” can be seen on our employee uniforms and other advertisements. His responsibilities include customer service, staff management, materials acquisitions, facility capital improvements, delivery management, mass media advertising, equipment maintenance, and landscape materials coordination and owner. When Greg’s not at work, he enjoys working in his yard, hiking, swimming, and spending time with his wife and daughters and their menagerie of pets. 

Florenda is a huge part of Willow Ridge, affectionately known as our “Chaos Coordinator” and the “mom” of the operation. She has been with us since 1996, bringing a wealth of knowledge in accounting and finance to her many roles. Florenda ensures that the daily operations run smoothly and plays a crucial part in the company’s ongoing success. With a wide range of responsibilities, she serves as HR, VP of Finance, Office Manager, Buyer, and Owner, all while keeping everything organized and efficient. Florenda loves working in such a beautiful environment, where she can help people in meaningful ways. Whether it’s taking care of small details or supporting the team in larger tasks. Outside of work, Florenda is devoted to her family, enjoying time with her husband, children, and many, many grandchildren. When she’s not at Willow Ridge, you can often find her at church or exploring the wonders of God’s creation.

Lisa is a valued member of our team, where her extensive knowledge of plants and displays shines through in every interaction. She started back in 2017 and quickly became an irreplaceable asset. She is our Customer Experience Manager and also our Employee Retention and Hiring Manager. She thrives on helping customers find exactly what they’re looking for, ensuring they leave with the perfect addition to their gardens. For Lisa, the best part of working at Willow Ridge is the community — both the wonderful team of employees and the amazing customers. She’s inspired by the passion that everyone shares, creating an atmosphere of fun, learning, and personal growth. Lisa often says she’s fortunate to work in the most beautiful place in Oak Ridge! Outside of work, you’ll find her indulging in her love of gardening, crafting, and cooking.

Jessica is an integral part of the Willow Ridge team, serving as both the Marketing Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. She joined us in 2019, bringing with her a versatile skill set and an unwavering willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Whether it’s cashiering, providing IT support, capturing photos, or designing creative materials, Jessica’s adaptability and dedication make her an invaluable asset to our business. Jessica has a passion for dirt track racing, where she can often be found lending a hand at the local track on weekends. Her love for adventure extends beyond the racetrack, as she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and two sons, always on the lookout for new experiences and memories to make together. When she’s not out adventuring, Jessica is an avid reader, devouring anything she can get her hands on.

Kristen, or “Kris10” as she affectionately calls herself, joined Willow Ridge in 2024 and quickly embraced her role as Office Manager – The Sequel. With a passion for learning every aspect of the job, she’s been a huge asset in supporting Florenda and helping to bring more order to the office. With over 10 years of experience in her field, Kristen has quickly become an integral part of the Willow Ridge team, ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her boyfriend and daughter, indulging in all things crafty, and snuggling with her beloved Corgi.

Ed began his career by earning a B.S. in Agricultural Business from Berea College, and today he plays a vital role in the operations at Willow Ridge as both the Assistant Retail Manager and Water Garden Department Manager. Ed is passionate about helping people and loves the opportunity to work with plants, enjoying the balance of both indoor and outdoor work. His expertise in plant care and his dedication to customer service make him an invaluable asset to our team. Outside of work, Ed is deeply interested in all things plant-related, with a love for reading and technology as well. When he’s not immersed in his plant hobbies or indulging in his passion for computers, Ed cherishes spending time with his wife and two sons. He jokes that he might spend a bit too much of his free time in front of the computer!

Seth joined the Willow Ridge team in 2025 with a lifelong love of plants and a natural curiosity for all things green. He’s already packed in nine years of retail management experience, which means he brings both knowledge and a calming, customer-first approach to the garden center. While he’s newer to the industry, his enthusiasm, quick learning, and genuine passion for helping people find the right plants make him a perfect fit for our crew.

When he’s not assisting customers or tending to the greenhouse, you can probably catch Seth quoting SpongeBob, or hunting down the perfect bowl of mac & cheese… preferably with a side of chicken nuggets. He brings joy, humor, and heart to everything he does—and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the Willow Ridge family.

Robert has been a member of the Willow Ridge team since 2000, where he serves as a landscape designer. A graduate of Oak Ridge High School in 1980, Robert spent several years successfully managing restaurants before returning to the University of Tennessee to pursue his true passion for horticulture. He earned a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design, along with a minor in Business Management, which has helped him bring both creativity and practicality to his design work. Robert’s design approach focuses on creating landscapes that blend naturally with their surroundings, with an emphasis on incorporating winter interest to ensure year-round appeal. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and visiting National Parks. He is also deeply involved in his community, serving on several committees at his church. Above all, Robert values his time with his wife and two daughters, making cherished memories together.

Allison Kearney is a talented landscape designer at Willow Ridge, where she has been crafting stunning outdoor spaces since 2021. A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Allison blends her deep passion for nature with her exceptional design skills to create environments that are both beautiful and functional. Her designs reflect a thoughtful approach to each project, incorporating natural elements in ways that enhance the surroundings. When she’s not designing, Allison is an avid hiker who enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband and their four beloved dogs. Her love for animals is boundless, and she often jokes that she’d be happy to take any animals off your hands if you happen to have any to spare.

Lauren is the Team Lead for Perennials at Willow Ridge and has been a part of the team since 2018. She thrives in the family-oriented atmosphere at Willow Ridge and is passionate about encouraging others to embrace the joys of gardening. With her extensive knowledge of perennials, Lauren ensures that our selection remains fresh, diverse, and expansive. Her love for native plants also plays a key role in shaping our plant offerings, as she carefully curates them to reflect her commitment to sustainability and local ecosystems. Lauren’s contributions go beyond her role with perennials, including being the driving force behind the creation of our popular Story Thyme program. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and son, and her artistic side shines through in her love for all things creative. A talented artist herself, Lauren frequently attends art fairs to showcase and sell her creations, sharing her passion for art with the wider community.

Matthew is our Trees & Shrubs Lead, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for plants to Willow Ridge. With miles of travel and extensive industry knowledge, he has worked for both retail garden centers and wholesale growers since high school. Matthew holds a degree in Botany from the University of South Florida and has an impressive background, including several years as a Horticultural Supervisor at Lowry Park Zoo, where he honed his skills in plant care and management. Now based in Knoxville, Matthew lives with his wife, Pat, and their dog, Dudley. His diverse experiences and deep understanding of horticulture make him an invaluable asset to our team, where he continues to share his expertise and love for trees and shrubs with our customers.

Scott is affectionately known as our “plant whisperer” due to his genuine passion for spending time outdoors with our plants. His wealth of experience stems from his time in the wholesale industry, where he cared for and sold plants to local landscapers in Knoxville. Scott’s friendly demeanor and engaging stories make every customer interaction enjoyable, putting everyone at ease. Outside of work, you can often find him exploring nature through hunting and fishing or expressing his creativity with drawing and painting.

Originally from Mississippi, Chase brings over eight years of experience from working at a family-owned nursery and landscaping company. Now a proud member of the Willow Ridge team, he serves as a triple-threat with expert knowledge in hardscapes, landscaping and as a pond technician. Chase values the strong, family-like bond within his team, and he extends that welcoming atmosphere to every customer interaction. Outside of work, you’ll often find Chase fishing or spending quality time with his family on the farm, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

David is a dedicated member of our landscape installation crew, having joined Willow Ridge in October 2023 with a strong desire to learn and grow in the industry. “After working with other companies in this field, Willow Ridge truly feels like home. I enjoy every aspect of my job—from the fantastic team I work with to connecting with customers and hearing their stories. When I’m not at work, I love spending time outdoors with my girlfriend, especially traveling to visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls. I also enjoy gaming with friends in my free time!” David’s enthusiasm and commitment to his work are clear, and he’s excited to continue learning and contributing to the Willow Ridge family.

Zeb has been a valued member of the Willow Ridge team for several years and has taken on the role of team lead for our hardscaping division. He thrives on the creative aspects of his work and takes great pride in seeing the full transformation of every project he’s involved in. Recently, Zeb has also stepped into the world of social media and content creation, bringing fresh energy and creativity to our online presence. Outside of work, Zeb enjoys spending quality time with his girlfriend, Beth, and their dog, Margie. His free time is filled with outdoor adventures, whether hiking, hitting the golf course, or attending a wide range of sporting events, from baseball and racing to hockey.

Jeremiah joined Willow Ridge as a member of the hardscape crew in April 2024. From a young age, working alongside his Grandad in the yard, he developed a deep passion for planting and maintaining landscapes. Willow Ridge quickly became like a second family to him, allowing him to pursue what he truly loves. Outside of work, Jeremiah enjoys a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, and reptile keeping. With a lifelong love for the outdoors, he spent his childhood exploring the woods, and that adventurous spirit still drives him today. Jeremiah also enjoys spending time with his wife and new son.

“RB” joined Willow Ridge in 2024, and it didn’t take long to recognize that he’s a man of many talents. Always ready to lend a hand, he eagerly jumps into any project, and if there’s something new to learn, he’s quick to pick it up. While his primary role involves bulk goods deliveries and planting jobs, you can often find him helping out wherever there’s work to be done, proving his versatility and dedication. Outside of work, “RB” enjoys spending quality time with his children and embracing the charm of small-town life, making the most of every moment with his family and community.

Zach is the team leader for our landscaping and pond maintenance division and has been an integral part of the Willow Ridge team since 2018. His passion for his work is evident, as when he’s not on the job, you’ll often find him tending to his own garden or enjoying his water features and aquariums. Fun Fact: Zach is our longest-tenured landscape technician, a true testament to his dedication and expertise!

Evan joined Willow Ridge in 2023 and quickly became an invaluable member of our team, seamlessly stepping into the role of pond technician. With a strong passion for problem-solving, Evan enjoys interacting with clients and helping them troubleshoot a wide range of landscaping and pond care issues. His friendly, approachable nature makes him a go-to resource for our customers, ensuring that their ponds and outdoor spaces thrive. Outside of work, Evan cherishes spending quality time with his wife, exploring the beautiful outdoors of East Tennessee.