 Jerry Swanson was born in 1949 in the mountains of N.W. Georgia where he grew up into his high school years. In the summer of '67 he visited his sister in Naples, FL and since then has made S.W. Florida his home.
His experience with the agricultural industry is compiled of many years dating back to the summer of 1966 at Wayne Snow Nursery in Rock Springs, Georgia. Afterward upon arriving in Naples he worked for Corbin-Lindabury Garden Center. He attended Naples High School while working after school, weekends and during summer breaks for the garden center.
Jerry served in the United States Marine Corp. for two years on active duty, starting in 1970. He spent a year in the South Pacific stationed in Okinawa. During enrollment he was able to visit Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Hong Kong. Upon honorable discharge in 1972 he returned to Naples, FL.
When Jerry returned home he was welcomed back to his old job at Corbin-Lindabury. He became their Nursery Manager and stayed until 1984. Following that he was with a large wholesale grower in Naples, FL and enjoyed employment for 15 years there. A.W Kelley’s heard of Jerry’s availability on the job market and quickly started negotiations to bring him aboard. The rest of the story is history!
Jerry Swanson has been happily married for thirty-five years to Linda Swanson. She is the love of his life, his soul mate and best friend. He has been blessed with two wonderful sons, Jeffrey and Anthony. He is also honored in being a grandpa to three beautiful grandchildren, Connor, Madalyn and Riley who was just born in February of 2008!
Jerry is our Nursery Sales Supervisor and has been a major part of the Kelley’s team since day one. Customers and staff alike are always impressed with his kind demeanor, knowledge of plants, efficiency and a great business attitude.
Jerry is well known in Lee and Collier County for his dedication and involvement in the hort. trade. He keeps up with the industry by going to nursery trade shows every year. Often Jerry brings in current publications and new books to point out upcoming plants, current water restrictions or cures for plant diseases. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with customers and other professionals. |
