At Gardens America, we are floral professionals with a deep-rooted passion for flowers and the people who sell them. With more than 178 years of combined experience across our team, our strength is not just in what we source, but in how we serve.
Founded in 1969, Gardens America began as a hands-on family business importing chrysanthemums from Bogotá to the United States. What started as a small venture has grown into a trusted, third-generation floral importing and distribution company serving partners across North America.
This Women’s History Month, we proudly honor the women who help carry that legacy forward every single day, beginning with our President and owner, Kristin Gilliland.
Kristin Gilliland
President and Owner
Joined Gardens America in 1994
Kristin’s grandparents started the business before she was born. She spent numerous summers stuffing envelopes, mailing invoices, filing paperwork, and learning the foundation of the company long before stepping into leadership.
After officially joining the team in 1994, she served as Office Manager, led Accounts Receivable, and later became General Manager. Today, as President and third-generation owner, she leads with vision, integrity, and deep respect for the relationships that built the company.
Under Kristin’s leadership, Gardens America continues to specialize in sourcing niche, high-quality products that elevate floral brands. By pre-selling and delivering farm-direct products through a carefully managed cold chain, we ensure fresher flowers with longer vase life. That commitment directly enhances profit margins and strengthens customer relationships.
Having worked alongside her mother, Colleen Taber, Kristin carries forward a deep respect for family values and for the people who make the floral community thrive. She understands that quality, consistency, and longevity are not just promises. They are the foundation of trust.
The Women Behind the Work
From sales to finance, operations to technology, these women bring expertise, accountability, and heart to every aspect of Gardens America.
Tina Bertot
Joined 2000
A true perfectionist, Tina advocates fiercely for her clients and holds farms accountable for every detail. Her fairness and vigilance define her client relationships.
Cheryl Virgilio
Joined 2022
As Sales Coordinator, Cheryl supports the sales team with precision and care. Her experience in wholesale and retail floristry allows the team to perform at its highest level.
Renee Hesselbach
Joined 2015
With more than forty years of experience across greenhouse, mass market, retail, wholesale, and importing, Renee brings unmatched knowledge and dedication to her clients’ creative and financial success.
Marcela Botero
Joined 2017
Marcela’s farm-level experience gives her unique insight that benefits both clients and colleagues. Passionate and determined, she approaches every challenge with confidence and resolve.
Alejandra Zambrano
Joined 2024
With more than fifteen years in the floral industry, Alejandra strengthens every link in the supply chain through meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem solving.
Leidy Moreno
Joined 2024
Leidy’s background in wholesale and mass markets reinforces her commitment to quality and reliability. She values strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and customers alike.
Arielle Atlas
Joined 2020
Raised in the floral industry, Arielle blends design experience with strong client service. Her honesty, drive, and detail-focused approach make her a trusted partner to her clientele.
Joanne Carrillo
Joined 1999
As Office Manager and Accounts Receivable lead, Joanne keeps operations running smoothly while also serving as the coordinator behind many of the company’s internal events and celebrations.
Deborah Clemente
Joined 2002
As Finance Manager, Deborah oversees payables, payroll, and financial reporting, ensuring Gardens America maintains its reputation for reliability and on-time payments.
Lilliam Valdes-Dapena
Joined 1997
As IT Manager, Lilliam keeps the entire technical network operating seamlessly. From hardware to software, she ensures the infrastructure behind the business remains strong and dependable.
Victoria Rodriguez
Joined 2006
As Administrative Assistant and Director of First Impressions, Victoria is often the first voice customers hear. Her support across departments reflects her dedication and pride in her work.
Growing Forward Together
Behind every shipment is a system built on diligence and passion. From sales strategy to finance, from IT infrastructure to customer support, the women of Gardens America ensure that every box moving through our warehouse in Doral, Florida reflects the same standard established more than fifty years ago.
They help protect the integrity of our cold chain, uphold grower accountability, support client profitability, and preserve the trusted reputation Gardens America has built over three generations.
Our story is rooted in family, built on trust, and growing through relationships.
Three generations. One shared mission. Connecting people through flowers. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who continue to shape that mission with strength, expertise, and purpose.
To learn more about our team or connect with a sales representative, visit https://www.gardensamerica.com/contact/.