3/12/2021 - By Mike Hess

Zach Bilderback

Territory Manager – Horticulture

Virginia, North & South Carolina

(919) 410-1659

zbilderback@harrells.com

Ever since he was a boy, mowing lawns across his neighborhood, Zack has been involved and very interested in Horticulture. He was first introduced to the field by his father, a professor of horticulture for over 37 years at North Carolina State University (NCSU), who he later worked on several studies with, while he was in college. In the summers leading up to his college studies, Zack gained all the knowledge that he could, weeding plant beds at JC Raulston Arboretum, and working at Pender Nursery doing every job he could across its many acres. After 3 years at East Carolina University (ECU) studying Biology, Zack decided that he didn’t want to work in a lab, so he transferred to NCSU where he finished his degree in Horticultural studies. 

After college, Zack moved to South Carolina and started his first fulltime job at Carolina Nurseries, where he oversaw more than 60 acres of plants, and 20-50 people daily. He was there for 3 years before starting a position at Green Meadow, near Charleston, where he managed the nursery for several years until the economy crashed. “Soon after that, I heard that Harrell’s had an opening for a job in the NC, SC area, so I submitted my resume to a guy named Rick Helpingstine (current Vice President of Horticulture), and I’ve been here ever since… over 10 years now!” He said. Which is a long time to be in one spot, but to Zack, it hasn’t felt nearly that long with a team like he has at Harrell’s, “I always feel supported and taken care of inside and out of work.  Everyone is willing to offer a helping hand.  Feels like family.”

Zack’s favorite part of working in the Horticulture industry is that he gets to meet so many new people, build lasting relationships, and help them to be successful, “I enjoy being able to provide quality products and tools that help my customers grow their business.” 

But this isn’t all Zack is up to. Outside of work Zack loves spending time with his wife, Jenn, and going hunting and fishing with his two sons, Colt and Reed. As well as personally enjoying the plants that he works with daily, his favorite are the Hybrid Tea Roses, for their smell. 

Zack is the kind of person who makes this industry great. He is not only a master of his craft, but also has a personal passion for what he does, and a staunch dedication to providing customers with the absolute best service he can offer. We’re so grateful to have Zack on the team!