JOHNNIE P. JAMES JR.

PRESIDENT & CEO, LYKES BROS., TAMPA

Lykes Bros.’ businesses include cattle, citrus, farming leases, forestry, hunting leases, conservation services and land and water resource management. Founded in 1900 by Howell Tyson Lykes and his seven sons, the company started as a 500-acre operation near Brooksville north of Tampa and has grown to more than 610,000 acres in two states (Florida and Texas), making Lykes the 14th-largest landowner in the U.S. Its Florida acreage is primarily in Highlands and Glades counties. James is involved with the Florida Land Council, the Florida Chamber and the Florida Council of 100, where he’s a supportive voice for the future of agriculture in Florida.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS, MA)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Put an end to the constitutional amendments that skirt the state’s Constitution and the legislative process created by it to deal with these type of issues.

READING: John O’Leary — Live Inspired

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Teddy Roosevelt — his love and passion for life and the outdoors led to the preservation of some of our special places like the Ocala National Forest, Pelican Island, and Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge, to name a few.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: Do it right the first time.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“Pay attention to the details.”