VALLEY VIEW FARMS GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY - Key Persons
Andy grew up in the area, attending Dulaney High School. He began his college career at North Carolina State University, transferring to the University of Maryland and graduating with honors with a degree in Business Administration. Starting at age 14, Andy grew up in the business, working on the farm and in all of the various departments. Andy enjoys carpentry and woodworking and is the designer/builder of many of the buildings and displays at Valley View. Andy shared ownership of the business for several years with his father, Billy, before becoming sole owner in 2015. Andy credits both founders as his mentors in business. Just as he has followed his father into business, Andy's two young sons may someday do the same.
Brian Brannan started in 1988, while still a student in high school. Brian works closely with all of our vendors to provide solutions to gardeners in our area and is key in cooperating with many of them in our advertising program. Brian also works to keep all systems going, including phones, computers and other utilities. Brian lives in Harford County with his family. He is an avid angler and boater.
Carrie Engel began working here in 1972, and is well known in our area. Carrie appears with meteorologists Tony Pann and Ava Marie, weekly on the WBAL TV's Sunday Gardener. She enjoys writing, speaking about gardening, photography, the Orioles, and spending time with her extended family. Carrie also enjoys traveling, especially road trips, where she looks for what is new in plants and gardening everywhere she goes.
John Hessler joined us in 1975. His keen eye and creativity led him to managing our casual furniture department. John enjoys buying the accessories as well. In late summer, John's talents are put to good use when he begins building the 80 foot Department 56 Village Display. His work has garnered the Platinum Dealer designation from D56. John enjoys DIY projects in his home, collecting sports memorabilia and conversing about sports to friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Head Grower, Farm and Greenhouses
John Miller, a 1990 Penn State graduate, began growing at our farm location in Hydes, MD, the very next year. John grows vegetable transplants, hanging baskets, annuals, mums, pansies, poinsettias with his assistant Vernon Smith, for our retail store. John enjoys time with his family. He is a long distance trail runner once our busy spring season slows.
Kathy Foard began in 1975, picking tomatoes at the farm. Kathy is a graduate of Goucher College, with a degree in English and Secondary Education. She has managed many areas including our International Gift Shop, and three of our former satellite locations. Kathy honors Punkey's legacy in our Christmas Shop by creating a wonderland fueled by her own love of Christmas. Kathy's other love is our baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles.
Scott Carbone joined us in 2009 while pursuing his degree in Landscape Management from the University of Maryland. Promoted to Nursery Manager in 2016, Scott works with many regional tree and shrub growers to provide high quality plants for our customers. Scott's waterfront home enables him to enjoy gardening and kayaking from his backyard.
Job Titles:
- Store Manager and Water Gardens Manager
Tim McQuaid began in 1978. He has worked everywhere, learning all that he can about the company. Tim harvested corn on the farm, worked in our nursery for years and became our Water Garden Manager soon after we started the department. Tim's loyalty and dedication are second to none. He is Andy's go-to person, as he is to everyone. Tim is an avid outdoorsman. He loves spending time with his family and teaching young people to be responsible in their outdoor sporting pursuits.