Our Team
Lori Neuschwander - Owner
Lori's dedication to fostering vibrant spaces extends far beyond the world of plants. She joined Plant Professor in 2003, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a successful HR/staffing career. This background honed her focus on customer satisfaction, making her a champion for Plant Professor's clients.
Lori doesn't just ensure happy clients, she inspires them. Her combined passion for sales and design translates into fresh ideas that transform ordinary interiors into thriving landscapes. Whether working with established clients or welcoming new ones, Lori's expertise is a key ingredient in Plant Professor's recipe for success.
Jeff Neuschwander - Owner
In 1996, Jeff founded Plant Professor following his departure from a well-known interiorscape firm in Chicago/Milwaukee. Jeff's passion for Ornamental Horticulture led him to focus on interiorscaping, a field he dedicated himself to after earning his degree. With a deep understanding of plant care, Jeff ensures that Plant Professor's service team delivers exceptional quality by providing thorough training and guidance. Under his leadership, the company maintains a reputation for bringing in breathtaking plants that enhance spaces and offering unparalleled service to clients.
Mary Sheble - Service Specialist
Mary's love for plants blossomed at Plant Professor in the summer of 2013, where she began her journey tending to the outdoor greenery. When an indoor plant care specialist role became availible, Mary seized the opportunity and hasn't looked back. Her dedication is evident in the immaculate condition of the indoor plants, a testament to her nurturing touch.
But Mary's care extends beyond the flora. Customers consistently remark on her sweet personality, making her a cherished member of the Plant Professor team. Her passion for plants and genuine kindness create a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
A lifelong resident of the metro area and namesake of her grandmother, Coral joined Plant Professor in July 2023. Bringing a passion for all things biology, Coral recently graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor's degree in the field.
When it comes to bees, flowers, and anything related to plant life, Coral is your resident expert! Her enthusiasm and knowledge are sure to help any of the customers on her plant care routes.
Beyond her dedication to plants, Coral enjoys the art of gardening and keeping her children on their toes. She's a well-rounded individual who brings both expertise and a friendly demeanor to the Plant Professor team.
Coral Martin - Service Specialist
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Jacob Schale - Service & Deliveries
Jacob moved to STL from sunny Florida in 2018. He instantly took to our sweltering summers to help with some of our exterior maintenance projects. Since then, he has learned to endure the STL winters! We think he even likes winter!
Jacob's dedication extends far beyond seasonal tasks. He now assists with a variety of special projects, ensuring everything runs smoothly at Plant Professor. You might even spot him lending a hand on some of our interior service routes. Jacob's adaptability, plant expertise, and willingness to tackle any challenge make him a valuable asset to our team
Rhiannon Freitag - Service Specialist
Rhiannon is a self-taught plant enthusiast who joined Plant Professor in 2023. Her passion for plants is matched by her extensive knowledge, honed through experience working in a retail nursery where she gained additional knowledge in the care of both interior and exterior greenery.
Rhiannon is a customer service pro, known for her ability to resolve issues and create a positive experience for those around her. Her background in Navy intelligence analysis (4 years!) instilled in her resourcefulness and discipline, making her a valuable asset at Plant Professor
When she's not helping customers find their perfect plant match, Rhiannon enjoys the world of online gaming and even dabbles in gaming event production.
Mike Palmer - Deliveries & Exteriors
Mike joined Plant Professor in May 2022, bringing a diverse skillset and a passion for growth. Previously, he excelled as a stay-at-home dad while flexing his data entry muscles. With his son entering school, Mike was eager for a new challenge – a far cry from his experience eliminating microbial growth (RIP, tiny plants!) at a restoration company.
Mike's background spans computer tech and customer service, showcasing his adaptability and dedication. At Plant Professor, we've only begun to tap into his potential. We're excited to see him thrive alongside our flourishing flora!
