CROPKING - Key Persons
Chris grew up in the hydroponic industry and is instrumental in developing computer control systems for managing environmental conditions, nutrient management, and daily data logging. Chris also develops CAD-generated models of projects that are proposed or in-progress projects. Chris graduated from the Agricultural Food and Science Academy and is continuing his education in Computer Science.
Colin has studied and conducted masters research of hydroponic/aquaponic cultivation and greenhouse management at the University of Arizona, and has over 15 years of hydroponic/growing experience. As a business owner, Colin has designed and created one of the first hobby-scale ebb and flow hydroponic units for the retail market, as well as an all natural preventative pest spray. Colin has owned and operated the world's first commercial hydroponic hop business, Hydro Hop Farms LLC. Colin has provided hydroponic consultation and research for numerous companies and universities worldwide specifically related to controlled environment hops and cannabis/hemp. Prior to joining the CropKing team, Colin worked as director of greenhouse research and design for Mammoth Microbes, a successful cannabis biotech company. Colin resides in Northern Colorado on his 60 acre hemp/hop farm complete with CropKing greenhouse!
Heather is a passionate gardener with first-hand experience in business operations. Having previously co-owned a local Nursery/Greenhouse business prior to joining CropKing in 2010, Heather understands the challenges and opportunities our customers face. Starting as a purchasing agent, Heather has been a key member of the CropKing sales team since 2018, focusing on commercial cannabis growers.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Founder
- Founder & Chief Operating Officer / Marilyn and Dan
Brentlinger founded CropKing in 1982, and Marilyn has worked in almost all departments, helping thousands of CropKing customers in her tenure. She has worked with our customers and distributors through time spent in accounting, purchasing, customer service, and consulting. Marilyn currently focuses on commercial project sales and grower support.
Job Titles:
- Owner & Indoor Gardens CEO
Mark is a 2nd generation owner of CropKing and the CEO of Indoor Gardens where he oversees company operations and store development. Growing up around hydroponic crop production, Mark studied Agribusiness and Horticulture at The Ohio State University before starting his first retail store. He is focused on making controlled environment agriculture accessible and understandable to all skill levels from the classroom to the commercial facilities.
Job Titles:
- Purchasing Manager
- Sales Associate
With a strong background in customer service, Megan joined the CropKing team as our Purchasing Manager in 2019. Her extensive knowledge of our products is a tremendous asset in her current position on our sales team. She enjoys building relationships with our customers, understanding their needs and challenges, while helping to recommend new and innovative products that keep their greenhouses growing!
Nathan's passion for agriculture started in Mr. Larry Kauffman's highschool Intro to Horticulture class. After graduation, Nathan attended The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, where he earned a degree in Greenhouse Production and Management in 2010. A grower since, Nathan has held positions in a variety of operations including one as head grower for an 8 acre facility. Prior to joining CropKing, Nathan worked as the Greenhouse Manager for The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, where his graduates worked in hydroponic food crops, in ornamental greenhouses, as high school educators and in licensed cannabis facilities.
Paul is a second generation owner of CropKing Inc and has 20+ years of experience working with controlled environment agriculture growers all over the world. He has studied best-of-breed controlled environment and hydroponic practices across the globe to apply the most efficient and cost-effective practices into optimal systems for CropKing customers. Paul leads the CropKing team in consulting, sales and management.
Steve has a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Plant Science and Agronomy and has a M.S. in Agricultural Engineering and Alternative Energy Systems with a specialization in animal confinement systems and water management. Steve brings over 40 years of experience in conventional farming and 30 years of experience in hydroponic greenhouse production. Steve has developed and managed a successful hydroponic tomato, lettuce and green bean operation and has provided engineering and consulting services for many clients across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Zack developed an interest in microorganisms during his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Plant Pathology and grew fruits and vegetables as a hobby in his spare time. While working to earn his Master's in Plant Health Management, Zack gained experience in a research greenhouse at Scott's MiracleGro collecting data and studying genetically modified Kentucky bluegrass. He also spent a year researching light-cured adhesives and coatings at Ashland Chemical, which provided a strong foundation for his knowledge in plastics and organic chemistry. After graduation, Zack joined the CropKing team in the summer of 2017 as a salesperson and has gained invaluable experience in the industry of controlled environment agriculture. With a desire to help growers on a more personal level, Zack most recently moved to a technical and horticultural role to assist customers with greenhouse construction, plant health, and system functions.