Proven Winners announces new retail solutions manager

Caitlin Hupp has joined the Proven Winners Retail Solutions Team in a newly created role that will cover independent garden centers in the Midwest and western regions of the U.S. and Canada.

Hupp will use more than a decade of experience in and intimate knowledge of the garden center industry to focus on the needs of IGCs and strengthen the brand’s relationships in her designated territory. She'll also work to create new partnerships and brand-building opportunities.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be expanding and strengthening our IGC support team with the addition of Caitlin,” says Jessica DeGraaf, director of retail accounts for Proven Winners. “She is a true professional who is passionate about supporting independents and creating meaningful connections within the industry. We are excited to welcome her wealth of knowledge and connections to this role.”

After graduating from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in journalism and strategic communications, Hupp worked as marketing director for Loma Vista Nursery in Ottawa, Kansas. She eventually transitioned into a role as territory manager and has spent the last decade servicing landscape professionals and independent garden centers across the Midwest. In the role, Hupp was influential in building relationships and programs with key independent garden centers in her territory.

Hupp has been active in the Women in Horticulture program with the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association for the last two years and is currently president of the Kansas Nursery and Landscape Association.

“This role perfectly marries my creativity and love of marketing with my passion for people and plants,” Hupp says. “I am thrilled to work with the talented people of Proven Winners. The support the brand offers IGCs is unmatched. I look forward to being a part of this team supporting IGCs and continuing to move the industry forward.”