Meet Ray & Matt Roberts. Ray Roberts, the founder of Central Florida Ferns is generationally transitioning the family business, Central Florida Ferns to his son, Matt Roberts. Succession can be hard for a family business and often the next generation has big shoes to fill. His son Matt is challenged with continuing his father’s legacy, brand, and the empire he built since its inception in the 1990s. Watch this video to see their story!
Amerigo Farms is located in Mt. Dora, Florida. John Albers purchased his family's Canadian nursery in 1966 after graduating from DuPage Horticulture School. In 2012, they expanded to Mt Dora where he fell in love with the sunshine state! Amerigo Farms' main plant is the beautiful calla lily, but during the Christmas season, they also grow poinsettia plants. John loves what he does and it shows in the way he treats his nurseries, customers, and employees.
In honor of Veterans Day, meet James McComas, a U.S. Marine Corp Veteran, and owner of Florico Foliage. James shares his story about being in the Marines and how he got into the ag business after serving. Check out his story here!
Be on the lookout for the next Real Farms, Real Stories video. Like and follow our page for updates. At Farm Credit of Central Florida, we provide financing for Farms, Homes, and Land.
You won’t want to miss this awesome story about a bee-keeper.
Be inspired by David Webb’s determination to keep his bee business alive. When David began Webb's Honey he faced many obstacles but he isn’t one to back down from a challenge. Being a bee-keeper is not for the faint of heart. In this video, we learn what David went through to get where he is today. Watch his story here!
Third-generation citrus grower, Tom Thayer shares his incredible journey to becoming an ag business entrepreneur. Learn how an unexpected trip to South Africa led him down a path to supplying the citrus industry with a more efficient way of irrigating. Through all the trials and tribulations, he has remained dedicated to helping and serving the citrus industry. Farm Credit of Central Florida is honored to have worked with Tom Thayer over the last 12 years.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at The Magnolia Company located in Barberville, Florida. Owners Matt and Julie Roth share how the business began 20 years ago and what it takes to create their beautiful high quality, handmade wreaths that are shipped all over the United States. These beautiful products have been featured in HGTV Magazine and Southern Living Magazine. Watch Matt and Julie's story!
Meet Jim Milgard, owner of Continental Floral Greens, which is the largest farm-to-market floral greens company in the United States. In this video, we explore one of his operations located in Deland, Fl, and hear about his unique background. Jim's story is proof that you don't have to grow up in farming to be a part of it. Watch Jim's story to learn about how he got started in agriculture and tour his amazing operation.
Meet Ty Strode, who now runs the day-to-day operations of his father's plant nursery, Agri-Starts, located in Apopka, FL. Ty became president of the business in 2020 after his father and business founder, Randy Strode decided it was time to take a step back. Ty & Randy have successfully navigated their way through farm succession together as father and son. Ty shares his story about growing up in the nursery business and how the business has grown over the years.
Be inspired by this rancher’s passion for raising cattle and agriculture. John Thomas has deep roots in Citrus County, his family has been cattle ranching for over 100 years. His inspiring life story is proof that hard work and dedication always perseveres. His two daughters will one day carry on his legacy. You don’t want to miss his heartfelt story!
