Despite the globe’s current situation, Pure Seed’s President Crystal Rose-Fricker is keeping a level head and focusing on what makes her thankful.
Seed World (SW): What’s your favorite book to read?
Crystal Rose-Fricker (CRF): For guidance, wisdom, and inspiration the Bible. For fun, I am currently reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.
SW: Best place to travel?
CRF: Europe, there are so many different cultures and environments to experience, not to mention the history, music, wine and foods!
SW: Do you have a motto or saying you like to keep in your brain while working?
CRF: Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
SW: Who’s one person you look up to in the seed industry?
CRF: My father, Bill Rose. His vision and passion for building our family businesses in the grass seed industry has been revolutionary. He was always ahead of his time which has given us the foundation for success now and in the future.
SW: How did grass seed catch your passion?
CRF: When I was 13 years old, I started working at Pure-Seed Testing for my summer job, I have always enjoyed working outside with plants. I wanted to be involved in our family businesses, so I pursued degrees in Crop Science and plant breeding at Oregon State University. I met with the plant breeders in the cereal program, and at the time there was only one-woman barley breeder, Mary Verhoeven, she inspired me that even as one of the few females in this industry during the 80s, the possibilities were exciting. I love the art and science of plant breeding because I get to work with God’s creation to discover and develop varieties that make a difference for the global environment. The relationships I have developed in this industry are invaluable and they make coming to work fun each day!
SW: What’s your focus in 2021?
CRF: To count my blessings, this helps me to focus on all the things I am thankful for which creates a more positive attitude. To strengthen my communication skills with people at work and in my personal relationships. Also, to stay in touch with as many people as I can despite the current situation in the world.
