Carolina Green Industry Network

J. Mark Smith is Founder and President of CGIN. Mark, a North Carolina native, began professionally with a local Charlotte Landscape Company in 1981 where he worked 16 years and was a 5% minority share Owner at the time he left to start his own Landscape Company in 1997 – Environmental Design Landscape, Inc. (EDL). Mark has experience in all aspects of Landscape Maintenance services as well as Commercial Landscape Construction services.

Nancy Travis is an Account Manager at Advantage Truck Center in Charlotte, with additional locations in Conover and Rocky Mount, NC. Nancy began her professional career in the transportation industry in 1987 specializing in the sale of Isuzu, Hino and GMC trucks. With 23 years experience in the transportation industry and a long time supporter of the landscaping industry, Nancy is a “Vendor” board member.

Scott Ewers is a Horticulture Extension Agent with NC State University Cooperative Extension Service. He has 14 years Horticulture experience with NC State University and Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension. He received a BA Degree in Biology at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. He is a Graduate Student of NC State University with studies in Paper Science/Engineering and Horticultural. His main interest is in ornamental pest management. Scott currently serves on the CGIN education committee.

Frank Tosto is an ISA Certified Arborist with more than 28 years in the industry. Mr. Tosto has a B.S. in Business Administration from C.W. Post College of Long Island University. He is an Arborist Representative with Arborguard Tree Specialists. He was a Sales Service Technician and Climbing Arborist, and was 1st in class at Davey Institute of Horticultural Technical Services with Davey Tree Experts in Greensboro, NC.

Mark Selles is a certified landscape designer (CLD) with 29 years of horticultural and business experience. He is currently a partner at DeSignia Inc., a full service landscape company in the Charlotte area. Mark has as his main focus, the design and sales aspect of the business. Mark currently serves on the CGIN Education Committee and can be contacted through the website for any industry related questions, and especially questions related to education and professionalism.

Sandy Cochran has been the Executive Director of Carolina Grounds Management Association since 1994 and Carolina Green Industry Network since its conception.  Working with the association, Sandy is in charge of the membership records, newsletters, mail-outs, annual Trade Show/Pesticide Seminar, communication, and numerous other responsibilities. Sandy has enjoyed getting to know a wide variety of green industry personnel over the years.

profile in brief