Rhyzone Podcast

• From Data to Decisions: How AI is Taking Root in Greenhouse Operations | Episode 31

  In this episode, host William Klaassen sits down with Brian Sparks, Editor of Greenhouse Grower, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the greenhouse industry — and how growers can take their first steps. From data collection to practical efficiency gains, Brian shares insights from industry surveys showing a growing curiosity about AI, even among those who haven’t yet adopted it. Together, they explore what AI really means in horticulture, how it’s already at work in automation and data analysis, and what opportunities — and cautions — lie ahead. This conversation offers a clear, practical roadmap for growers who want to understand AI without the hype, and start exploring how it can enhance decisions, streamline operations, and capture hard-won knowledge before it walks out the door. Key Takeaways AI adoption is growing — slowly but steadily. While few growers report using AI today, more than 80% say they’re open to exploring it. Define AI broadly. From algorithms and automation to data-driven insights, AI in horticulture spans far more than just ChatGPT. Data is the foundation. Even simple data collection today sets the stage for future automation and analysis. Start small and safe. Try using AI tools like GPTs for writing, organization, or training before applying them to operations. Education and community matter. Growers are forming “AI clubs” to learn and experiment together — and that collaboration could accelerate the whole industry’s growth. Mind the risks. Data privacy and ownership remain critical topics; AI should enhance, not replace, human expertise. Brian Sparks is the Editor of Greenhouse Grower, where he oversees both print and digital editorial planning focused on greenhouse technology, production, varieties, and business management. He has been with Meister Media Worldwide since 2000 and previously served as Managing Editor for several of the company’s brands. Brian holds a communications degree from John Carroll University. Follow Brian on LinkedIn

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• Making EDI “Boring” (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

  William sits down with Grace Sharkey (from Orderful) to demystify EDI—what it is, why it still powers retail in 2025, and how growers can start simple and scale. They dig into real-world pitfalls (chargebacks, labels/UPCs, “dialects” by retailer), the API vs. EDI conversation, and why the goal is to make your data pipes so reliable they’re… boring. That’s where clarity (and cash flow) live. "“We take care of the boring so you can focus on modern workflows powered by clean data.” — Grace What you’ll learn EDI, in plain English: standardized, machine-to-machine document exchange between trading partners (orders, invoices, ASNs, acknowledgements), not just “emailing PDFs.” Why big retailers insist on it: reliability, security, and volume—so you can “play with the big box stores.” Five business wins: access to enterprise customers, effortless scale, hardened security, automation you can trust, and real-time financial visibility. Standards vs. dialects: an “invoice” from Retailer A ≠ Retailer B—guidelines vary; getting them right prevents costly chargebacks. APIs + EDI together: modern stacks use APIs to make EDI setup faster and more transparent (no black box), with clear error handling. Start where you are: portal-based workflows can bridge the gap before full end-to-end automation with your ERP. Memorable quotes “Make it boring. Once it’s live, EDI should feel like autopilot.” — William “We take care of the boring so you can focus on modern workflows powered by clean data.” — Grace “Standardize, then automate. Automation doesn’t fix broken processes.” — Grace Practical takeaways for growers New to EDI? Start with a portal workflow to receive orders and send invoices; graduate to API/ERP integration when volume justifies it. Hate chargebacks? Treat each retailer’s guidelines like a unique dialect; validate mappings and labels up front. Mind the labels: Centralize UPCs/retailer specs—stop hand-typing. Penalties can dwarf the order margin. Watch your cash: Track acknowledgements and remittance signals to forecast receipts in real time. Plan for breaks: Align with partners who surface errors clearly and fix fast—like having a reliable “plumber” on call. Connect Guest: Grace Sharkey — Orderful Host: William Klaassen — Aster Software

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• From Grit to Growth: Building Autonomy from the Ground Up with Charlie Anderson–Episode 29

  In this episode, host William Klaassen digs into the world of autonomous equipment with Charlie Anderson, CEO of Burro. From humble beginnings in an unheated barn to deploying over 500 autonomous systems globally, Charlie shares how his childhood on a working farm—and a serious distaste for hopping off tractors to weed—sparked a mission to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture. Charlie unpacks the hard truths about innovation in agriculture: the challenges of scaling autonomy in heterogeneous environments, why big manufacturers are slow to adapt, and how Burro is building a platform for safe, smart mobility near people—indoors and out. Whether you're in tech, horticulture, or just love seeing robots make life easier, this episode offers both grounded insight and forward-looking vision on the future of work in agriculture. “A great robot is really boring—it just does the thing.” – Charlie Anderson Charlie Anderson shares his remarkable journey—from growing up on a Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable farm to working at Case New Holland and ultimately founding Burro. He explains why specialty crops are the most promising entry point for automation—not because they’re the largest markets, but because they carry the heaviest labor demands. Charlie describes how Burro quite literally started building autonomy from the ground up, testing small vehicles in tough real-world environments, and learning how to handle obstacles, regulations, and even standoffs with curious border collies. They explore how Burro has evolved from simple towing carts to a robust product lineup that includes spraying, mowing, and patrolling, all while staying true to a “platform, not vertical” vision—allowing growers and partners to layer their own innovations on top. The conversation highlights creative ways growers are adapting Burro for everything from security to logistics, showing the flexibility of a system designed to scale across diverse operations. Looking ahead, Charlie offers insights into how generative AI is reshaping the autonomy landscape, why the best robots are the most “boring” (in a good way), and what’s next for Burro as they prepare for massive growth. Charlie’s book recommendation: The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail by Clayton Christensen   🚜 Learn more about Burro: www.burro.ai

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• Collaboration Over Competition: Horticulture Needs a New Software Story–Episode 28

  In this engaging episode, William sits down with Adam van Wingerden from Silver Fern to unpack the unique challenges and opportunities in the horticulture software space. From the friction of change management to the power of community in greenhouse tech, this episode is full of honest insights and industry wisdom. Together, they explore: Why software gets a bad reputation in horticulture The deep-rooted collaboration that sets this industry apart Stories of growth and shared ethos between tech providers How software is impacting growers in meaningful, measurable ways Key Takeaways Collaboration is the secret sauce: Both William and Adam reflect on how unlike other industries (like construction or manufacturing), horticulture is marked by generosity and mutual support—even between competitors. Change is hard—but worth it: The conversation dives into why software adoption can be so tough, and why it’s critical to pair technology with effective change management and training. Shared ethos = Shared success: Adam and William highlight how working toward a common goal for growers—not just sales—helps build community and trust between software providers. If you’ve ever struggled with software that promised the world but delivered frustration, this episode is for you. Adam and William pull back the curtain on why tech adoption is tough in horticulture—and how collaboration, not complexity, is the key to real growth. Follow on LinkedIn: Adam van Wingerden | Silver Fern William Klaassen | Aster Software https://youtu.be/px6gdKCvikU

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• A Legacy of Growth: Insights on Business, Culture, and Community – Episode 27

  In this captivating episode, William Klaassen sits down with Angelo Petitti, a luminary in the horticulture industry with over 50 years of experience.  Angelo shares insights on building trust-first leadership, fostering a community-focused business culture, and adapting to industry challenges through vertical integration and innovation. His passion for giving back and empowering others shines through, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders alike. This conversation dives into the heart of what makes a business thrive: culture, innovation, and treating people with respect and care. Key Topics Discussed: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader: Angelo's inspiring journey from working odd jobs after immigrating from Italy to establishing one of the largest garden center chains in Ohio. Building a Strong Company Culture: Insights into Angelo's philosophy of treating employees and customers with empathy and empowering his team to make decisions. The Power of Vertical Integration: How growing their own products and controlling the supply chain has been a game-changer for Petitti Garden Centers. Commitment to Community: Angelo’s passion for giving back, including donating plants to churches and charities, fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Challenges in the Horticulture Industry: Angelo highlights the significant capital and time investments required in the nursery business and discusses how technology is shaping the future. Consolidation and Succession: Exploring the industry's shift toward larger players due to a lack of succession plans and the high cost of entry for new businesses. Lessons in Leadership: The importance of listening to employees, maintaining a hands-on approach, and fostering a culture of low-cost production and innovation. Notable Quotes: "Treat people as you would treat yourself. If it was you, how would you solve the problem?" – Angelo Petitti "Making a profit is fun. It allows you to invest in your people, your facilities, and your community." "The greatest gift you can give your kids is teaching them how to work." About Angelo: Angelo Petitti, the son of a farmer and nephew of an avid gardener, immigrated to the United States in 1963 at the age of 16 from Faeto, a small mountain village with a population of 600 in southeast Italy. For 3 years, he worked at Pick-n-Pay Supermarket, and as a busboy at a local restaurant, to support himself while attending Kent State University night classes to pursue political science. Angelo also leveraged his innate sense of the land to do part-time landscaping and eventually, his interest in horticulture became his full-time passion. In 1966, Angelo started Petitti Landscape Company. His brother, Domenico, joined him and they bought an oversized garage in 1969 in Oakwood Village to store their trucks, landscape equipment and plant material. Soon, passersby began to visit, inquiring about the plants inspiring Angelo to open the first Petitti Garden Center on site of the old garage on April 15, 1971. Today, Angelo Petitti owns nine garden centers in Lake Country, Ohio, plus a 10th store opening Spring 2025. Angelo has invested in over 4,000 acres of nursery land where over 3 million trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses are grown and cultivated, serving landscapers and wholesale plant customers region wide. With over 45 years of experience as a garden center owner, and 28 years as a grower, Angelo Petitti has gained valuable plant knowledge, which he loves to share through the media. Thousands of gardening enthusiasts tune in each week to Gardening with Angelo, Saturdays on WTAM 1100, where Angelo answers callers’ gardening questions. Each week on News Channel 5, Angelo and meteorologist Mark Johnson tackle timely gardening issues for viewers. Resources Mentioned: Angelo's radio show: Gardening with Angelo Petitti Garden Centers: petittigardencenter.com Connect with Us: Guest: Angelo Petitti Linked In Petitti Garden Centers Host: William Klaassen LinkedIn Aster Software Rhyzone, the Horticulture Leaders Podcast

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