Columbia Seeds hired Chip Garner as regional sales manager, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service and support across the eastern United States. Based in Clayton, North Carolina, Garner brings decades of experience in the turf industry and a lifelong passion for agriculture.
A North Carolina native, Garner has cultivated deep roots in the agriculture and turf sectors. Inspired by the time spent on his granddad’s farm, Garner knew he wanted a life in agriculture. The turf industry had all the aspects Garner loved: “I’ve always enjoyed being outside, working with equipment, and helping things grow,” he said.
Garner earned a degree in turfgrass management from NC State University. His career includes golf course maintenance roles at prestigious golf courses in the Pinehurst area and the Governor’s Club, as well as extensive experience in sales with companies like SiteOne (Lesco), Allied Seed and DLF.
“Sales was a natural transition,” Garner said. “Getting to build relationships has become what’s most exciting to me.”
Driven by a passion for connecting with people and delivering effective solutions, Garner found an undeniable fit with Columbia Seeds — which is based in Albany, Oregon, about halfway between Salem and Eugene —describing the team’s culture as “tight-knit, supportive and focused on doing things the right way. It’s a great fit.”
Garner’s knowledge spans turfgrass, forage and cover crops. His new role will focus on strengthening relationships with current customers while developing new business opportunities across the eastern region.
