Our Team

Mark Wheeler

OUR FOUNDER

The soul, vision, and creation of our farm was by founder and former owner, Mark Wheeler. He established Pacific Botanicals in 1979 after healing himself using herbs. Mark was so inspired by his own journey that he started a small farm in southern Oregon to grow organic herbs. After 10 years he moved the farm to its present location in the heart of the Applegate Valley where he eventually expanded the farm to its present size of 140 acres.

Mark’s experience and expertise, developed over three decades in the herb business, has allowed Pacific Botanicals to become a leader in our industry. Mark has a simple but powerful vision: to help as many people as possible experience healing by providing them with the finest quality organic herbs available.

Matt Dybala

DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS

Since earning a degree in Environmental Studies in 1998, Matt has dedicated his career to fostering a deeper connection between humans and plants. Over the past decade, he has cultivated a wide diversity of herbs and spices in Oregon. His commitment to biological soil-building, regional ecology, and organic principles compliments Pacific Botanicals’ ability to offer domestic-grown, quality herbs to every customer.

Dori Moran

QUALITY MANAGER

Dori began working for Pacific Botanicals in 1998 when she was drawn to the work being done at the farm. She started out working in the Greenhouses learning about the propagation of herbs. Through the years she has enjoyed learning many aspects of the business including seed harvesting, fresh herb coordinating, customer service, accounting, and quality assurance. Her current role as QC Manager allows her to be a part of the greater team in assuring quality herbs and quality processes for our customers.

One of the aspects that she has enjoyed most about her employment here at Pacific Botanicals is the people that she gets to work with, both co-workers and the wonderful customers that she has gotten to know through the years. Her favorite botanicals are Nettles, Sea Veggie Mix, Angelica, Baikal Skullcap, and Passionflower.

Laurie Gripp

ACCOUNTING

Laurie lives in the community of Applegate with her son-in-law and 3 children (2 adults and 1 tween). They have 4 dogs, 2 roosters, 9 hens, and a resident bear on her property. She enjoys baking, candy-making, and cooking with fresh herbs. She really enjoys being a part of the wonderful Pacific Botanicals team.

Laurie's favorite herb is Lemon Balm.

Dave Metzger

FIELD FARM MANAGER

Dave has been with Pacific Botanicals for nine years and is responsible for all farm-related activities. His previous employment was also in the agricultural field.

Dave's favorite botanicals are Chamomile and Echinacea.

Bruce Fain

FACILITIES MANAGER/MECHANIC

Bruce’s job is to keep things working and moving on the farm. As a former millwright, his work here is similar. His work includes engine and mechanical repairs, troubleshooting, fabricating and general maintenance. He is originally from near Coos Bay, Oregon. He grew up in a timber community working in logging and road construction. He came to Pacific Botanicals from there and has been with us for over 15 years.

Bruce’s favorite botanicals are Nettles for tea and cooking, and Linden flower for its aroma.