Star Roses and Plants Hires New South Florida Manager
Kim Anders-Luber joins the horticulture company following the retirement of long-time manager Jim Darden.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
Star Roses and Plants has appointed industry veteran Kim Anders-Luber as the new territory manager for South Florida. This transition follows the departure of Jim Darden, who retired after nearly three decades with the organization.
Why it matters
The appointment ensures continuity within the company's regional sales operations after a significant leadership change. Anders-Luber brings extensive horticultural experience to the role as the firm manages its South Florida business.
Kim Anders-Luber brings over 20 years of industry experience to her new role, succeeding Jim Darden who served nearly 30 years at the company.
The players
Kim Anders-Luber
She is the newly appointed territory manager for South Florida who brings two decades of industry expertise to the position.
Jim Darden
He is a long-serving former manager at Star Roses and Plants who retired in October 2026 after a career spanning nearly 30 years.
Star Roses and Plants
This is a horticultural company that manages a sales team responsible for distributing plants across various regions, including South Florida.
The details
Anders-Luber holds a degree in plant science and landscape systems from the University of Tennessee. Her background includes prior professional roles at John Deere Landscapes, McGregor Plant Sales, and McHutchison Horticultural Distributors.
Timeline
Jim Darden officially retired from his position in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition is defined by the retirement of Jim Darden from Star Roses and Plants, which marks the end of a three-decade tenure. The company is now positioning itself for continued regional growth by tapping into Anders-Luber’s specific expertise in landscape systems.
Clients and partners in South Florida will interact with Kim Anders-Luber as the primary point of contact for company sales and horticultural support. This change in management aims to maintain existing service standards for regional business accounts.
The takeaway
Succession planning remains a critical component of maintaining strong business relationships in the horticultural sector. Implementing experienced leadership after a long-term retirement helps stabilize regional operations for established clients.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership changes across the state in the Florida People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nursery Management.
