Graduate Profiles- Mark Fluhrer ’80

Have you often wondered where graduates end up after they finish at the School of Horticulture? Or curious what career options are available in the industry? In our monthly series we’ll highlight a different graduate every month to showcase the diversity. We’ll be sharing the full inside look here on our website!

Say Hello to Mark Fluhrer, class of 1980!

Q: Where do you currently work and what position do you hold?

A: Self Employed – In Good Inc. Principal Partner

1980 – 1993 – Mark Fluhrer Landscaping Services (incl. Garden Centre).

1993- 1996 Queen’s University Manager of Grounds.

1996 – 2008 City of Kingston – from Forestry & Horticultural Supervisor to Director of Parks and Rec, Director of Culture & Recreation.

2008 – 2021 City of Belleville – Parks & Rec Director and Director of Culture, Recreation and Community Services.

2022 – 2023 House of Commons – Government of Canada – Chief of Staff MP Williams.

2023 – present – Principal Partner In Good Inc.

Passionate about working with others in building better communities – a place where people want to live, work, play and invest within. Safe, resilient, thriving, beautiful.

Q: How would you describe your experience entering the industry after graduation?

A: Exciting and full of challenge. There never seems to be a time when people do not care about their living and natural environments.

Q: What challenges have you faced and overcome in your career after graduation?

A: Many, from building credibility and awareness of the industry, funding support for urban forest and horticultural programs etc.

Q: What is a fond memory from your days at the gardens? 

A: Always working with our class as a team (at times friction – but always worked things out), on Plant ID tours and pre-study sessions. Team work.

Thank you Mark for sharing your journey with us! It is great to hear from alumni from all stages in their careers!

If you would like to be featured here and inspire the next generation make sure to complete our graduate survey here: https://forms.gle/pt2MPgJsALYdf1b3A.