Profile® Products has hired Dr. Jim Owen as technical services manager for its Profile® Growing Solutions team. In this role, Owen will provide technical support to Profile’s grower and blender horticulture customers, serving as a subject matter expert on substrate selection, optimization and best management practices. He will also support research and development initiatives and product innovation.

“Jim has a deep understanding of horticultural systems and will be able to provide our customers with expert technical knowledge,” said Daniel Norden, director of product development for Profile Products. “His problem-solving mindset will not only help us continue delivering on proven solutions, but he will contribute to research and development that will ultimately improve crop performance and customer satisfaction."

Owen has more than 25 years of experience in horticultural research and nursery and greenhouse production systems. He most recently served as a research horticulturist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. He has also held academic appointments at Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University and Oregon State University. During his career, he has conducted countless studies and published hundreds of articles that have advanced the horticulture industry in areas such as growing media physiochemical properties, plant nutrition, automation and remote sensing, plant physiology and water management.

Owen holds a Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Rhode Island, and a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science from the University of Kentucky.