OUR STORY
EmployeesIt takes a strong team to grow and harvest year-round in the climate extremes of Wisconsin. We couldn’t do it without the dedicated employees who help us with everything from planting and harvesting to packing, shipping, and bookkeeping. Many of our employees have been with us for more than ten years, and some say it feels like family. Their excellent work allows Star Valley Flowers to continue growing and developing new crops to meet the needs of our customers.
Tim Clesen, Owner
Tim, Purchased Star Valley from John in October 2022. Tim co-owns Clesen Wholesale, which is an annuals grower and Winter season products wholesale. Clesen Wholesale also is Star Valleys largest and one of our oldest customers.
Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: Dogwood, Winterberry.
Phil Mueller, General Manager
Felipe, “el joven y bello,” appreciates the diversity of the people and nature that are right outside his corn crib office door. He’s a practical realist who’s proud of the fact that the farm employs so many people in a rural area while sharing its bounty and beauty with people across the country. He likes anyplace that’s hot and humid, and that’s Wisconsin for about 3 days of the year. But he makes the most of living here, with his enjoyment of hiking, biking, snowshoeing, canoeing, camping, road tripping, music festivals, cooking and consuming real food and drink, and socializing with friends. He gives back by serving on his county board of supervisors. Vote for Phil!
Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: Orange Ilex, Lilac, Peony
Carlos Tinoco, Production Manager
Carlos, “El Jefe,” knows that laughter and fun can go together with hard work – no wonder he’s a good crew chief! – and he enjoys the busy season on the farm. This is a special place to Carlos because he and his wife were married in a beautiful wedding on the farm. Today, they enjoy hunting, trout fishing, growing their own foods, and relaxing in their hot tub.
Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: Forsythia, Hydrangea
Scott Johnson, Field Crew Member
With the exception of Phil, Scott has been working at Star Valley Flowers longer than any other employee. He loves driving tractors, working outside, and the ever-changing jobs on the farm – especially in Spring. In fact, Scott has worn every hat on the farm. He enjoys home life in a nearby town, where he and his wife and son enjoy taking care of their home and their yard with a pond.
Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: Hydrangea.
Julio Cano, Field Crew Member
Julio enjoys the magic of daybreak on the fields of the farm. When he’s not working in the fields, he brings some of that magic to his stained glass creations, his photographs, and even to a good game of billiards.
Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: Golden Ninebark, Peony
Billy Cioffi, Sales Manager
Billy has purchased from Star Valley for over 16 years before joining the crew. Most recently a corporate buyer at Mayesh Wholesale in Los Angeles. He worked for Tim at Clesen Wholesale prior to that. Billy is one of two sales reps and also Sales Manager. Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: Aronia Flower, Ninebarks, Black Sumac/Privet Berry
Bre Groom, Sales Rep and Shipping Manager
Bre, comes to us from just down the road at Stoney Point Farm which closed its doors last year. Bre’s experience and product knowledge rivals Phil’s. Which is really saying something. We are extremely exicited to welcome her to the team.
Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: TBD
John Zehrer, Founder and Former Owner
John, “El Gran Toro,” loves the fact that this northern farm has something to harvest and sell year around, without the use of a greenhouse that would burn fossil fuels. He’s passionate about his work in plant propagation and gardening, and he loves his tractors, too! He’s always envisioning ways of making something new from something discarded.
Favorite Star Valley Flowers crop: Forsythia, Peony, Bittersweet, Dogwood