As a long-standing service provider for The Garden Center Group, Steve is known as its “Marketing Maestro.” A seasoned professional, he brings strategic vision and leadership to help independent garden centers thrive in a competitive marketplace. For more than forty years, Steve has been creating and implementing marketing solutions tailored to IGCs. His expertise spans consulting, brand development, advertising campaigns, print and web design, video production, digital marketing, POS information management, and data analysis—with a specialization in VMX. This diverse skill set enables him to help businesses build strong brands and achieve sustainable growth.
Steve’s experience reaches across the garden center industry. He has partnered with retail centers, growers, manufacturers, distributors, buying groups, and national trade associations. This breadth gives him unique insight into industry dynamics and challenges, making him a trusted resource for targeted marketing solutions. He also emphasizes how every element of a business—property, place, products, price, people, and process—contributes to marketing success.
VMX Consulting & Data Management
One of today’s biggest challenges for retailers is learning how to leverage POS customer data. Steve brings tremendous insight to this critical area, helping IGCs use information effectively to shape more informed and targeted marketing strategies. With extensive knowledge of VMX and other POS systems, he consults regularly on best practices for data management and inventory optimization. His approach simplifies complex processes and maximizes results.
Red Chalk Studios: Strategic Partner
To enhance the Maestro’s offerings, Steve has partnered with Red Chalk Studios, a brand-focused creative and marketing agency. Together, they help IGCs build and strengthen their presence through strategic, differentiating marketing solutions, campaign development, asset creation, and ongoing marketing management.
Kim Nelson, owner of Red Chalk Studios, brings over thirty years of experience serving both regional and national clients. Her specialties include brand evaluation, strategy, design, implementation, and management across consumer and corporate sectors. Known for building programs from the ground up, Kim ensures clarity, consistency, and strong brand engagement at every step. She serves as both creative director and brand strategist for Red Chalk’s clients.
A Full-Service Team
The combined team offers a comprehensive range of expertise, fulfilling roles that include marketing strategist, brand strategist, public relations director, media buyer, data analyst, digital marketing manager, creative director, web developer, graphic designer, copywriter, videographer, video editor, animator, and photographer.
Together, the diverse experience and expertise this team brings to the table can help IGCs build strong brands, thrive in the competitive garden center industry, and achieve sustainable growth.
Download our Provider Overview to learn more about our capabilities and services.
