James Hagedorn

Education and military

Hagedorn attended Buckley Country Day School class of 1971. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program and holds a degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is co-chairman of the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., an associate trustee of the North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, New York and chairman of the board for the Farms for City Kids Foundation, Inc. in Reading, Vermont. Hagedorn also served in the United States Air Force for seven years as a captain and an F-16 fighter pilot.

Scotts Miracle-Gro

Hagedorn joined Scotts Miracle-Gro in 1995 as senior vice president of Consumer Gardens Group, when the company merged with Stern's Miracle-Gro Products, Inc. At Miracle-Gro, he had served as executive vice president and was a major architect of Miracle-Gro's success both in the US and in the UK. James is the son of Horace Hagedorn, founder of Miracle-Gro. Following the merger, Hagedorn was instrumental in the effective integration of the two businesses.

Hagedorn was named president and chief operating officer in April 2000, and chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer in January 2003. Prior to April 2000, he was in charge of the company's North American business.

An avid pilot, Hagedorn clashed with the company board over his desire to continue flying. He eventually reached a compromise with the board, requiring him to fly with a company copilot for some flights.

James Hagedorn Aviation Complex

Recently, Hagedorn was recognized by Embry-Riddle for the contributions he has made to his alma mater in an announcement that the Aviation Complex, upon completion, would bear his name. He participated in its groundbreaking March 27, 2008.