Our Team
Glenn Behrman
With over 50 years of experience in the horticulture industry, Glenn Behrman is a pioneer in the indoor plant space. He has owned and operated the largest chain of wholesale and retail foliage distribution centers on the East Coast and is the president and founder of CEA Advisors. Glenn has also been instrumental in designing and developing innovative solutions like Growtainers® and Growracks®. His extensive experience includes designing, building, and managing plant nurseries, greenhouses, and garden centers in the US, Thailand, and Vietnam. Glenn founded Siam Orchids, a distributor of young orchid plants to growers worldwide. His hands-on experience, combined with the expertise of our team and access to a 300,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility, allows for the provision of Growtainers® to a diverse range of global CEA clients, offering solutions from custom crop-specific container farms to entry-level Growtainers® and mobile Tissue Culture Labs for on-site micro-propagation.
Chris Mayer
Chris Mayer, a leader in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and the cannabis sector, is the visionary founder of Innovative Growers Equipment (IGE). Since its establishment in 2016, Chris’s leadership and innovative mindset have propelled IGE to industry leadership, culminating in a successful $59 million acquisition by Hydrofarm in 2021. IGE specializes in manufacturing high-quality racks, benches, and lighting solutions, serving a wide range of clients from craft growers to large commercial facilities in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Chris’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond IGE, leading successful ventures in tiny-home manufacturing, marketing, finance, investment, and real estate. His diverse career highlights his versatility, innovative thinking, and commitment to excellence. At Growtainers, we value Chris Mayer’s experience, leadership, and industry knowledge in guiding our mission to revolutionize sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Jonathan A. Palé
Jonathan A. Palé is a seasoned leader in engineering and manufacturing with over 25 years of experience in defense, FMCG, commercial lighting, and commercial CEA industries. Jon’s expertise in value engineering and design for manufacture is unparalleled. He recently led the establishment of Hydrofarm, Inc.’s engineering division, developing new products and processes to address changing market demands. Jon’s technical prowess is complemented by his extensive experience in executive leadership, mergers and acquisitions, and operations management. He holds a BSEE from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from Northeastern University, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Growtainer® business.
Brian Mayer
Operations Manager/Innovative Growers Equipment
As the Operations Manager at Innovative Growers Equipment, Brian Mayer excels in process optimization, productivity enhancement, and delivering high-quality products. His skills encompass MIG welding, tube laser programming, and press brake operation, focusing on cost reduction and workflow streamlining. Beyond his operational role, Brian is passionate about education, serving as a part-time Construction Trades High School Teacher to impart practical skills and emphasize quality and safety in the trades. Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence, Brian seeks to connect with professionals for growth and collaborative opportunities.
Tyler Feltz
Lead CAD Designer – Technical Assistance
Innovative Growers Equipment
Tyler Feltz, Lead CAD Designer and Technical Assistant at Innovative Growers Equipment, brings a strong background in Industrial Technology and Computer Aided Design & Drafting. His expertise in CAD customization, mechanical design, and 3D modeling has significantly contributed to various projects. Tyler’s leadership in the CAD department fosters innovation and ensures customer satisfaction, underlining his commitment to excellence in every aspect of his work.