Michael Fiore is a fourth-generation nurseryman taking over the reins at Smith's Gardentown, a legacy family business. Although he grew up in the business, for many years he thought he'd forge his own path in life away from the business. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science before moving away to Costa Rica, then eventually to the rainforest city of Iquitos, Peru. After 5 years overseas, it was finally time to return back to Texas, but now he had a family of his own. He and his wife, Rosa, and their firstborn, Jasmine, moved back to Wichita Falls and jumped right back into the family business. Michael reignited his passion for plants and the industry as a whole. He loves teaching people, which naturally led to staff training, classes for customers, and educational videos on social media. This passion for teaching has propelled him to be one of the more influential voices in the plant social media spheres.

Exciting news! Michael was just named this year's Green Profit/The Garden Center Group Young Retailer Award winner! Congratulations Michael! Learn more about the award here and here.