By KATH GANNAWAY
THE mix of retail and horticulture has proven an ideal job for Josh Kyne, a finalist for best young retailer in the Home Timber and Hardware group industry awards.
Josh, 20, is part of the Kyne family team at Wandin Valley Nursery in Wandin and says it’s a career that has definite links to his early teens when the family grew plants to sell at markets.
They brought the nursery in 2013 and have built it up over the past two years as part of the Plants Plus buying group – part of the Home Timber and Hardware group.
The award recognises the contribution and achievements by the group’s young people, offering a chance to win a $5000 education grant to help with developing new skills and career progression.
Josh said his plans included going back to university to finish a horticulture degree at Melbourne University.
In the meantime, he is making his mark on the local industry gaining a place in the finals by demonstrating how he has implemented positive change in the store through his role as store manager, helping to execute the Plants Plus Program and contributing to the staff training program.
“Josh should be extremely proud to reach the finalist stage and we wish him all the best for the grand prize,” group national manager Peter Richards said.
The group’s best young retailer winner will be announced on 5 March.
