Mellano & Company Names Misty Welborn as Chief Operating Officer
For 100 years, Mellano & Company has been a leader in the floral industry, known for its legacy of family values, customer relationships, and a commitment to cultivating beauty from the ground up. Our success has always been driven by the people behind the company: visionary leaders who combine tradition with passion and dedication. Today, we are proud to announce the promotion of Misty Welborn to Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking an important milestone in both her career and the history of Mellano & Company.
From Administrative Assistant to COO
Misty’s journey at Mellano & Company began at just 19 years old, when she moved from North Carolina to California as a newlywed. Starting as an administrative assistant in the sales department, she quickly proved her talent for building relationships, solving problems, and driving results.
She rose through the ranks! Did you know Misty became one of the top salespeople at our Oceanside farm? She didn’t stop there. She soon advanced to Sales Manager, then later to Vice President of Farm Sales & Marketing, the later oversaw sales and operations across all Mellano & Co. locations. Most recently, she expanded her leadership role to support our Los Angeles wholesale flower market operations, managing critical projects alongside Bob Mellano, further strengthening our company-wide systems and processes.
Leadership That Combines Heart and Strategy
Over nearly three decades, Misty has earned a reputation for being approachable, strategic, and deeply invested in the success of both our employees and our customers. Her understanding of every layer of our business, from the fields of our California flower and foliage farm to the distribution floors of our wholesale markets, makes her uniquely equipped to guide us into the future.
Mike M. Mellano, CEO, shares: “She’s smart, strategic, and deeply caring. This promotion reflects the incredible impact she has had on our operations and our culture. She is exactly the leader we need for our next century.”
Michelle Castellano, Vice President, adds: “I’ve watched Misty grow from a young salesperson into a respected industry leader. She treats Mellano & Company’s mission as her own and has helped shape a thriving sales team and operational foundation. This is a well-deserved promotion.”
Misty's 20th year certificate with Mellano and Company given by Battie Castellano and Mike Mellano Sr. (2018)
A New Chapter in a 100-Year Legacy
As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, promoting Misty to COO reflects our commitment to honoring the traditions that built Mellano & Company while pursuing continued growth in the evolving floral wholesale and flower farming industries. Her leadership will help guide us in expanding our reach, strengthening relationships, and continuing to deliver excellence to customers nationwide.
Congratulations, Misty! Cheers to leading Mellano & Company into its next century of flowers, farming, and family values.
