Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Throughout 2026, host Bill Calkins has been catching up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. He sent each potential guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss.
This episode, Bill is joined by his friend Coy Butner, a Sales Representative with Ball Seed Company in the Midwest. It’s a fun episode because Coy is not only a fantastic partner to his customers (greenhouses of every size and shape) but also a great storyteller with a long history in horticulture that spans more than three decades and includes owing a retail greenhouse and then as a sales rep for more than 20 years. But Coy didn’t start off in hort, which is where the episode begins.
Coy shares the importance of listening, working with customers to identify challenges and bring solutions, what he looks for in new varieties (and some of his favorite plants like gomphrena, zinnia and echinacea) and how to stay engaged and enthused. He also makes an analogy comparing growing vegetative annuals to raising hogs. You’ve got to hear this!
Here are the four questions Coy chose to answer:
Q: How do you explain our industry to strangers, friends, family?
Q: What are your top 3 favorite annuals? And perennials?
Q: What advice would you give to an industry veteran currently dealing with burnout?
Q: What do you love most about your job?
This episode is sponsored by Prospiant—leaders in greenhouse design, manufacture and build. Learn more and connect with the expert team at prospiant.com. (prospiant.com/)
Throughout 2026, host Bill Calkins has been catching up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. He sent each potential guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss.
This episode, Bill is joined by his friend Coy Butner, a Sales Representative with Ball Seed Company in the Midwest. It’s a fun episode because Coy is not only a fantastic partner to his customers (greenhouses of every size and shape) but also a great storyteller with a long history in horticulture that spans more than three decades and includes owing a retail greenhouse and then as a sales rep for more than 20 years. But Coy didn’t start off in hort, which is where the episode begins.
Coy shares the importance of listening, working with customers to identify challenges and bring solutions, what he looks for in new varieties (and some of his favorite plants like gomphrena, zinnia and echinacea) and how to stay engaged and enthused. He also makes an analogy comparing growing vegetative annuals to raising hogs. You’ve got to hear this!
Here are the four questions Coy chose to answer:
Q: How do you explain our industry to strangers, friends, family?
Q: What are your top 3 favorite annuals? And perennials?
Q: What advice would you give to an industry veteran currently dealing with burnout?
Q: What do you love most about your job?
This episode is sponsored by Prospiant—leaders in greenhouse design, manufacture and build. Learn more and connect with the expert team at prospiant.com. (prospiant.com/)
