Applewood Seed Co. Announces Key Leadership Promotions as Part of Long-Term Succession and Growth Strategy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Applewood Seed Co. is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its long-term leadership succession plan. Effective immediately, Norm Poppe has been promoted to Executive Chairman, Ryan Guilford to Chief Executive Officer, and Mary Gomane to President. These promotions strengthen the company’s leadership team and position Applewood for continued growth as a thriving, employee-owned organization.

As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, Applewood is committed to building a sustainable future that benefits its employee-owners and advances the mission established by founder Gene Milstein: supporting the wellbeing of employee-owners, customers, growers, and the planet while contributing to healthier, more vibrant communities.

Leadership Experience and Impact

Norm Poppe is a 2024 recipient of the Lifetime Honorary Member award from the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). After first joining Applewood Seed in 1988 and later becoming CEO in 2019, he has witnessed decades of pivotal growth and change at Applewood and within the seed industry beyond. Norm will continue his tradition of firm but kind stewardship in his new role on our board, and we are beyond grateful.

Ryan Guilford, who joined Applewood Seed in 2019 as Chief Operating Officer, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s modern foundation. He was instrumental in establishing the ESOP, developing scalable operational systems, and strengthening organizational management to support long-term growth. His leadership has helped position Applewood for the next generation of success.

Mary Gomane, who joined Applewood Seed in 2021 and currently serves as Vice President of Sales & Production, has been a key driver of operational and commercial progress. She has enhanced supply chain capabilities, improved production planning, and overseen significant sales growth. Her cross-functional leadership and deep industry knowledge will continue to support Applewood’s expanding market presence.

A Multiyear Succession Plan for the Future

These leadership changes are part of a multiyear succession strategy designed to ensure stability, strengthen executive capacity, and build a leadership team capable of guiding Applewood Seed well into the future. The transition reflects a deliberate investment in leaders who embody Applewood’s values, understand its operational complexities, and are committed to stewarding the company’s mission.

“As we look ahead, our focus is on building a resilient and forward-looking Applewood,” said Executive Chairman Norm Poppe. “This leadership team brings the experience, vision, and commitment needed to support our employee-owners and continue our legacy of environmental stewardship and community impact.”

Incoming CEO Ryan Guilford added, “We are building on a strong foundation while preparing Applewood for its next chapter. By investing in our people, strengthening our processes, and enhancing our infrastructure, we are shaping a future where Applewood continues to lead with purpose and impact.”

President Mary Gomane emphasized the company’s people first culture: “Our employee-owners are at the heart of everything we do. This transition allows us to deepen our commitment to them and to the customers and growers who rely on us.”

Applewood Seed is excited for changes to leadership, and looks forward to a bright and productive next few months as these transitions take place.

About Applewood Seed Company

Founded by Gene and Dee Milstein in 1965, Applewood Seed Co. has grown from humble beginnings to the nation’s leading supplier of flower seeds. With a rich history of collecting wildflower seeds in the Colorado mountains, Applewood has evolved into a company with research and development gardens, an extensive network of seed growers, and a state-of-the-art seed testing laboratory. Serving a diverse range of customers including professional growers, seed companies, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, landscapers, government agencies, and more, Applewood remains committed to delivering high-quality, open-pollinated seeds for a wide range of geographic regions and special applications.

Mission Statement

Our purpose as an organization is to help support the well-being of our employee-owners, customers, growers, and the planet.

Vision Statement

Our vision is a world that is beautifully colored in an environmentally sustainable way and a company that improves the quality of the communities where we live and work.