KENT, Ohio USA (September 20, 2026) – Oasis Grower Solutions, a division of Smithers-Oasis, has announced key additions to its team of Sales, Customer Service, and Product/Technical Support professionals. As noted by Director of Global Grower Operations and Research Vijay Rapaka, Ph.D., these strategic changes further demonstrate the division’s commitment to provide the global floriculture, CEA, nursery and AgBiotech markets with industry-best products, services and support.
In a notable addition to the Sales team, seasoned horticulture industry professional Eric Waterman has joined the Oasis Grower Solutions team as Territory Sales Manager for the Northeast United States and Eastern Canada, effective September 14.
Based in Maine, Waterman brings the team more than 15 years of experience in the substrate industry. Though focused on the Northeast, Waterman’s responsibilities will also include key national/regional distributor accounts.
“Having known Eric as a respected competitor for many years, I am especially excited to have him join us at this stage in his career,” Dr. Rapaka said.
“We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. I’m confident that his expertise and diverse work with leading growers, retailers and distributors across markets will be a great asset to our team.”
In addition, Dr. Rapaka announced that Kady Herold has joined the team as Customer Service Specialist.
Herold’s professional background includes extensive work in logistics as well as numerous customer-centric responsibilities that will greatly benefit the Oasis Grower Solutions team.
Herold will work closely with the division’s customers and internal teams to ensure a high level of service and support.
In a related move, Brenton Williams has been promoted to the role of Product & Technical Solutions Manager. With Oasis Grower Solutions since 2014, Williams has served in research, national and international sales, and technical customer service.
This new role will leverage his extensive technical product knowledge and grower relationships to focus on technical support, product solutions, and ensuring customers get the most value from Oasis Grower Solutions product lines.
Dr. Rapaka emphasized his confidence and optimism about the changes to his team. “These additions and changes strengthen our ability to support customers, develop new opportunities, and continue growing our business in North America and globally,” he said. “I am very excited about what these individuals will bring to our team, as well as what our team can bring to them. As always, I feel very fortunate to lead this team as we help advance the growing industries worldwide.”
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About Oasis Grower Solutions: As a division of Smithers-Oasis,Oasis Grower Solutions has been solving growers’ problems with innovative substrate solutions and ancillary products since 1969. With a passion for global impact, the dedicated team helps support and advance floriculture, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), nursery and AgBiotech worldwide. From propagation media and hydroponic substrates to production aids and postharvest quality, Oasis Grower Solutions and its people, products and services help breeders, growers, researchers and distributors everywhere succeed. Visit us at OasisGrowerSolutions.com and on LinkedIn.
About Smithers-Oasis: Smithers-Oasis’ global expertise in the plant and flower business stretches from propagation to presentation. With locations in more than 19 countries and resources around the world, Smithers-Oasis manufactures and markets floral foam and floral media, postharvest products, growing media, floral sprays and dyes, and flower arranging supplies for the floriculture and horticulture industries. OASIS®, FLORALIFE® and DESIGN MASTER® are three of the company’s most recognized brands, founded in 1954, 1938 and 1961, respectively. With 70 years of experience in foaming technology, Smithers-Oasis also manufactures and markets specialty foams for a wide variety of applications including temperature control packaging, cast-alternative impression, absorption and molding. The company’s driving purpose is Improving Lives Worldwide. Smithers-Oasis, a privately owned company, is headquartered in Kent, Ohio, USA.