Ralph R. Nilssen is the Co-Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Kirk Company, effective January 2, 2008.

Ralph with the help of the various department heads is focused on bringing the Kirk Company’s mission to life each and every day. With direct responsibilities over, sales, marketing, customer service as well as strategic and tactical planning. Ralph leads one of the largest Christmas tree companies in the world.

Previously, Ralph held the position of Vice President of Sales for the Kirk Company. For over 20 years, Ralph has managed the Kirk Companies various operations throughout the world. Described as passionate, ambitious, witty and fair, Ralph’s personality and style are felt throughout the company.

Ralph was born in 1955, and grew up near Oakland, CA, where his father worked as a police officer. After schooling, Ralph married his sweetheart and recently celebrated 33 years of marriage. Ralph is the proud father of 5 children and 7 grandchildren. In the rare moments of spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, golfing, traveling and is heavily involved in mentoring youth at his church.

Gary Snyder is the Co-Owner and Vice President of the Kirk Company. Gary has direct responsibility for The Kirk Companies four shipping districts. With the help of various department heads, Gary ensures that the Kirk Company continues to deliver on time to its customers the highest quality Christmas trees.

Previously Gary held the position of Oregon District Manager. For over 25 years, Gary has made sure that the Kirk Company delivers the correct tree to the correct place at the correct time. Gary also personally oversaw over 400 acres of Christmas trees and still maintains close relationships with Christmas tree farmers all over the world. Gary’s known for being a problem solver, an entrepreneur and a self professed workaholic.

Gary graduated from OSU in 1977 with an Agricultural Engineering degree. He recently celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary to his wonderful wife Jan. They are the proud parents of two boys and two grandchildren. When not “in the trees,” Gary enjoys playing his annual game of golf, his weekly walks and his grandchildren. When asked what is most important to him, Gary quickly responded, “Faith, Family and Friends.”

Susan Sargent is the Director of Internal Operations and Customer Service. A 27 year veteran of the Kirk Company, Susan has held many positions in the Kirk Company. Susan’s “from the ground up” knowledge of the company allows her to effectively coordinate the work flow. Susan is directly responsible for making sure that the Kirk Company delivers on its promise of cutting edge customer service.

Susan’s known for her uncanny ability to think out of the box and implement innovative solutions. She is detail oriented, tenacious, fun-loving and personable. She also has the rare ability of being able to read Ralph’s mind!

Susan recently celebrated 29 years of marriage to which she credits her grit and faith that the best is yet to come. She has 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Never one to sit still, Susan is very active, she loves to scuba dive, ride a motorcycle (yes on the freeway) and she knows how to remodel a house (the old fashioned way, sweat equity.)