William Keebler |
William Keebler graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Agriculture. Before becoming a farmer he served his country in the United States Air Force. He has always had a passion for growing things and has been farming for 54 years. Prior to entering the fern industry, Bill raised cattle and citrus on land owned by his family since the 1800's. He managed McBride Citrus Packing Company in the building that FernTrust occupies today when Seville was known as the Tangerine Capital of the World. After the devastating freezes of the 1980's, he planted his foliage crops. Today, he primarily grows Leatherleaf, but he also is growing Tree Fern and Variegated Pittosporum. He is married to Janine Keebler; they have one son and two daughters, as well as four grandsons.. |
James Register |
James Register began farming in 1977 and has been now for 32 years. He received a Bachelors Degree in Science and Geology from Florida State University as well as a Masters Degree in Biochemistry at Trinity University. James spent 17 years in research before becoming a farmer and now because of that background in chemistry he is interested in the scientific aspects of farming. He loves being able to carry on the family farming tradition. He himself is a fourth generation farmer and with the help of his family his grandchildren will follow in the footsteps and become the sixth generation of Register farmers. He is married to Barbara Register, has three sons and one daughter, and seven grandchildren. |
Bob Thompson & William Bitler |
Bob Thompson was born and raised on a farm so when he had the opportunity to enter the fern industry 19 years ago, he felt like he was back home. He joined FernTrust in 2003 amd brought with him not only his leatherleaf, treefern and aspidistra acreage but him experiences as a systems engineer as well. He has helped streamline the many facets of FernTrust’s packing and bouquet operations to maximize our efficiency and insure we have the freshest longest lasting foliage in the industry.
Bob and his wife Susan have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. |
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John Hoblick has been a farmer since the day he was born. He attended the University of Florida and received a degree in Ornamental Horticulture. He began farming independently in 1986 and has been for more than 23 years experience in the cut foliage industry. John grows an array of foliage including Nagi, Variegated Pitt, Aspidistra, Treefern and Coontie Fern. He loves being outside and at the end of the day likes knowing that he has produced a commodity that the consumer enjoys using. John and his family live in DeLeon Springs, Florida on his family farm. He is making us proud by currently making a difference across Florida by serving as the President of Florida Farm Bureau. John Hoblick is a big part of why FernTrust is a “growing leader”.
John and his wife Kara and children live in De Leon Springs. |
Immo Redeker |
Immo Redeker brings an international flair to FernTrust. Immo was born in Germany but came to the U.S. to study engineering at Columbia University. He met his wife Kathleen in Japan while vacationing. Kathleen was serving as a missionary. They eventually married. Kathleen is Jim Register’s sister so it was only natural that as FernTrust developed in 1987, Immo would join the cooperative and support their efforts. Today he raises leatherleaf and treefern on the family homestead. |
Leon Braddock |
Leon Braddock is the newest member of the FernTrust family. He began growing plumosus fern in the 1950’s and has since expanded his operation to include leatherleaf and treefern. His vast knowledge of agriculture has helped him grow a high quality product that has strengthened the FernTrust foliage base. Leon is married to Norma and together they have three children along with 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, many of whom are involved in the fern industry. |
| Jimmy Register began his fern operation while working in the computer field. Over time, he expanded his operation to the point that it required his full attention. Fortunately for FernTrust, he brings his vast computer skills and his degree in Business Management to keep our systems and networks state of the art. Additionally his immense acreage helps satisfy the need for unique foliages. He currently produces over 20 varieties of products and is constantly looking for new varieties to add to his operation. Jimmy is married to Amy, FernTrust’s Chief Financial Officer, and they have a daughter, Meghan and a son, William. |
Michael and Jana Register began their fern operations as students in high school through their FFA project experiences. After graduation from the University of Florida with degrees in Agriculture fields they purchased property joining the family homestead and began producing treefern and plumosus in 1989. Today their operation also includes selloum, monstera, African iris, milky way aspidistra, variegated lily grass and redwood cedar. Their son, Brendan has recently joined the operation as he became an FFA member this past year and has “big” plans for the future. |
