John Marcotte

Summary

Self-motivated, mature, responsible and dependable while achieving high performance with minimal supervision. Demonstrated the ability to complete tasks accurately despite interruptions and competing demands. Maitre D..... then, Head Grower and Orchid Department Manager: both positions requiring management skills and experience as well as exceptional people skills. Extensive experience in front-line customer service and problem solving/resolution.

Overview

years of professional experience

years of post-secondary education

Work History

Owner / Sole Proprietor

Marcotte Enterprises

Hamilton

06.1997 - 03.2025

Ran my own business importing, growing and selling orchid plants.
Dealt with the general public on a very frequent basis at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto as well as at meetings, shows and on site at my greenhouse.
Sold large volumes of plants to wholesale buyers through the Ontario Flower Growers Dutch Auction in Mississauga.
Followed GPS technology to navigate and avoid traffic, construction and other obstacles.
Maintained timely adherence to schedules and safety protocols.

Head Orchid Grower/Orchid Department Manager

Clargreen Gardens

Mississauga

02.1989 - 05.1996

In charge of all aspects of Orchid cultivation, sales, front-line customer service and dealing with suppliers, placing orders and coordinating incoming shipments.
Managed a small staff that worked in the orchid department.
Responsibilities included driving a large cube truck and making cold sales calls around the Golden Horseshoe.
Frequently traveled for the company to participate in Orchid shows/sales in various cities in Southern Ontario and Quebec.
Many of the skills I applied in later years as a self-employed sole proprietor, I learned and fine-tuned while in the employ of Clargreen Gardens.

Head Waiter - then Maitre D'

Flamboro Downs

Flamborough

06.1982 - 02.1989

Started off as a bus boy.
4 months later, I was promoted to waiter and then head waiter.
At the age of 24, after having exhibited exceptional organizational skills and knowledge and experience with the day to day running of the dining room as well as demonstrating superior customer relations skills, I was promoted to Maitre D', in charge of the main clubhouse dining room and clubhouse bar with a staff of approximately 35.

Education

High School -

Waterdown High School

Flamborough, Canada

09.1977 - 06.1982

Skills

Customer service-oriented
Safe driver
Safety-focused
Flexible schedule
Impeccable driving record
Prioritizes customer satisfaction
Responsible

Reliable
Completes tasks and employs good time management
Trustworthy and conscientious
Handy with tools and completing odd jobs
Successful horticulturalist
Gentle, kind, patient and loving with animals

Hobbies and Interests

Provide a loving home and spend quality time with my Border Collie cross dog and 2 adopted parrots.
Keep and breed Gouldian Finches for fun and relaxation.
Grow way too many plants, both indoors and out!

Activities

Currently a member in numerous orchid societies.
Participate in numerous online groups related to horticultural interests and dogs or birds
Regularly speak to groups and clubs on the subject of orchids and how to grow them.
Expert guest on a Discovery Channel gardening show.
Written articles for a Canadian gardening magazine.
Won approximately 50-60 quality and cultural excellence awards in the American Orchid Society judging system.
Well known and highly regarded by peers in the orchid world.

Timeline