Smith's Gardentown general manager up for national award

Cecil Witherspoon, Wichita Falls Times Record News
·1 min read
Vice President of Smith's Gardentown Michael Fiore opens up the Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 14, 2022 in Wichita Falls.
Vice President of Smith's Gardentown Michael Fiore opens up the Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 14, 2022 in Wichita Falls.

Michael Fiore, vice president and general manager of popular local nursery Smith’s Gardentown is one of just three finalists for the National Young Retailer of the Year award.

Fiore’s family has owned and operated Smith’s for four generations and over 74 years, and now Fiore is receiving national recognition for the work he and his family have done.

Fiore began working full-time for Smith’s nine years ago, and has helped grow the business's online presence through social media.

Application for the award included an essay regarding challenges in the garden center industry, and Fiore’s submission was enough to land him a finalist spot.

Next, he’ll interview with a panel of judges at the Cultivate 23 symposium and trade show in Columbus, Ohio, July 17. The symposium will also feature the announcement of the winner of the award. If Fiore wins, he’ll make an appearance on the cover of “Green Profit” magazine.

Fiore was also invited to serve as a speaker at a conference in Minneapolis.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Smith's Gardentown general manager up for national award