MASON — John Morgan, 29, of Mason was recently featured as part of the State Journal’s 2012 Generation Next: 40 under 40.

Morgan was recognized for working as the Chief Technology Officer for Bob’s Market and Greenhouses. Morgan is also the only person recognized from Mason County in this year’s “40 under 40.”

In 2006, Morgan received his Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a focus on science and technology from Marshall University, and immediately returned home to Mason County to become a teacher. He then found an opportunity with Bob’s Market that combined his two interests of gardening and technology, and he jumped at it. He has stated that he loves his job, and that hopefully he’ll be there until he retires.

As the Chief Technology Officer, Morgan works to maintain the technological infrastructure for the greenhouses and five retail locations of Bob’s Market. He also works with aspects of online marketing, producing blogs and a weekly YouTube webcast, in which he covers topics like plant care and behind the scenes action at Bob’s Market.

He has also taken the plant tags at Bob’s Market and made them a little more special. He has added 2D codes that can be scanned by smart phones which then takes the buyer to various websites and videos where they can receive additional information on how to care for their plants and their garden.

In addition to the technology aspects of his job, Morgan also organizes facility tours, and works with educational outreach programs. Morgan also expressed how it felt to be recognized as part of this group of individuals.

“It feels great,” Morgan said. “It’s an honor.”

According to the State Journal, this is the seventh year that a group of individuals have been nominated for this award, which highlights West Virginia professionals under 40 who have succeeded in their careers choices and are on the road to continue. Individuals honored cover a wide variety of careers from funeral directors, physicians, public servants, lawyers, accountants, journalists, a distiller, and a movie maker. Though the fields of these individuals vary, one thing is sure to be the same among all of them — a commitment to excellence, and a commitment to the state of West Virginia.