Management Bios

The great big thinkers behind Great Big Plants.

Richard Gordon, Ph.D., Developer of Great Big Plants
Developer of Great Big Plants, Richard Gordon, Ph.D., created and developed the natural Great Big Plants formula.

Dr. Gordon had nearly 60 years of extensive experience and expertise in agricultural science and medicine. He began his career as a Predoctoral Fellow for the American Cancer Society before graduating from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Gordon had a Ph.D. in biophysics and had developed proprietary new products, launched major new businesses for the development of biotechnology for various agricultural applications, and served as a Special Advisor and Senior Consultant to the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, as Chief Scientist for Monsanto Corporation, he was part of the team that developed Round Up.

He taught at various universities throughout his career until his retirement from his position as Professor of Agribusiness at Arizona State University.  Dr. Gordon passed away in 2006.

Bill Thomas, President
President of Great Big Plants, Bill Thomas oversees conceptualization of the natural product and operation of manufacturing and sales.

With an extensive background founding computer and technological-based companies, Mr. Thomas applies his professional wisdom and experience building the underlying technology behind the Great Big Plants product. He believes in lessening the amount of harmful chemicals, which are often introduced to the environment.

Mr. Thomas obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University in 1976, and is a Financial Analysis Graduate of UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

John Olivas, Manager of Sales and Marketing
Manager of Sales and Marketing for Great Big Plants, John Olivas oversees product promotion and placement.

Mr. Olivas comes from five generations of family farmers in California. He has a great interest in nature and a respect for the stewardship of the land. With a degree in Agronomy from California State University at Fresno, and a graduate degree in Plant Science, Mr. Olivas has experience in research and horticulture. Early in his research career, Mr. Olivas switched to sales and marketing for agricultural-based products.

Mr. Olivas serves on the board of directors for a wetlands conservation organization and is the Chairman of the Board for the Foundation for Vocation Education, which supports hands-on agricultural learning in the community.