STEVEN BRETT

On accepting the appointment as president, Sunshine Coast-based interior plantscaper Steven says he did so acknowledging the position of president requires a significant sacrifice of time, regular travelling and representing the association at meetings and events.
“The association will return to its grassroots in 2012 with a strong focus on giving value to the members, member retention, and growth,” Steven says. “Networking, education, research and advocacy are still important membership values, but it is also vital to find a new niche to attract the newest generation of members who are diversely different from those who saw association involvement as a major component of their career growth. It is imperative that the association become more creative, innovative, and responsive to member and societal demands.

“To this end, a national membership survey will be conducted to ascertain member needs and the association’s rebranding will include an extreme makeover of the website to ensure it is an accessible and valuable business resource for members.
“As well as overseeing the rebranding of the Interior Plantscape Association, the rollout of the planned industry technician certification program, continued promotion of the association and educating Australia on the benefits of the interior plantscaping are ongoing priorities that are at the core of the association,” Steven says. He also sees increasing the number of strategic alliances with allied industries and target markets, such as designers and architects, as areas he will focus on.

Interior plantscaping has been a large part of Steven’s life since the age of seven when his parents began Bretts Betta Indoor Plants on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 1989. After spending his after-school hours and weekends watering and maintaining indoor plants, it was not surprising Steven grew up to be an interior plantscaper. Steven bought into the business in 2005, becoming his dad’s business partner, and Steven reflects that it was “the best decision I ever made”. 
Steven joined the executive of the Interior Plantscape Association in 2008 as part of his commitment to the industry and has been actively involved in the management of the association ever since.

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