Sep 21, 2017

Joe Butwin of Stokes Seeds to retire

After 23 years of service to Stokes Seeds, Joe Butwin, U.S. sales manager, is retiring.

“Joe began his career as the company’s first U.S. sales manager,” said Wayne Gale, president of Stokes Seeds. “Starting with three sales reps, he rebuilt the team to become a respected powerhouse of experts able to increase market share in the northeastern U.S. At times, often regarded as just a ‘Canadian’ seed company, Joe put Stokes on the U.S. map as an important regional player in the vegetable seed business.

“As part of a closely knit executive team, Joe’s input has helped make Stokes Seeds a respected, quality distributor of flower and vegetable seed,” Gale said. “Along with his expertise and willingness to help in any task or problem, Joe has been an important part of our success.”

Stokes Seeds has named Bruce Ulmer as U.S. sales manager and the newest member of the company’s executive team.

Butwin has agreed to stay on as a part time resource until January 2018 to ensure Ulmer is provided the best opportunity for success in his new role with Stokes Seeds, Gale said.

“Bruce comes with a wealth of experience in the seed industry having spent 22 years in a number of roles with Seedway,” Gale said. “With an MBA from Indiana University and master of science in Agriculture Economics from Purdue  – along with his experience in marketing and strategic planning – Stokes Seeds feels Bruce will be a great addition to the Stokes executive team.”

Ulmer said he is looking forward to meeting the many Stokes Seeds customers and suppliers in his new role with the company.