Four Star Greenhouse VP Curt Varsogea changes course to follow dream

Four Star Greenhouse has announced that Curt Varsogea, vice president of sales & business development, will be departing the company to pursue his long-time dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Varsogea, who comes from a family deeply rooted in aviation, has spent the past 24 years flying multiple types of aircraft and now has the opportunity to continue pursuing his passion at a high level.

Varsogea has been instrumental in Four Star’s success over the past 19 years. His path to Four Star began in  2004, when he and owner Tom Smith first met through their shared love of flying.

Over the next year, that  casual connection grew into a true friendship. Eventually, Smith invited Varsogea to join him on a trip to a Proven Winners Roadshow.

“I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect,” Varsogea recalled, “but I went, and I remember being so impressed by the collective Proven Winners team and the number of customers who showed up to learn about the brand. And on top of that, everybody was just so nice.”

The culture of the horticulture industry stood in contrast to the environment Varsogea had experienced in the automotive industry as a program manager selling auto parts to the Big Three automakers. By 2006, ready for a new direction, he told Smith he was interested in making a switch.

Varsogea describes his time at Four Star as transformative.

“Working at Four Star has changed my life in so many positive ways — through the people I’ve met, the work I’ve been able to do and the personal and professional growth that came with it,” he said.

He notes that the relationships built in this industry feel more like family. 

“It’s never just been about selling plants; it’s always been about the relationships,” Varsogea said.

He adds that the most meaningful part of his career has been the people he’s worked alongside and the connections formed along the way.

“I’ll always treasure the time I spent with Tom and everything he’s taught me,” Varsogea said. “I love Proven  Winners and the people behind it. I’ve truly had so much fun.

“I’m grateful for my time at Four Star and for my contributions. And I’m excited for all the great things ahead for my Proven Winners family and this amazing brand.”