SAMMY DUDA

CEO & PRESIDENT, DUDA, OVIEDO

Duda leads a family-owned, coast-to-coast agriculture and real estate enterprise with more than 1,100 employees that's celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year. Each year, Duda donates 10% of its profits to charitable causes. This is his 41st year with the company. “Beyond business, Duda strives to be a positive force in every community where we operate,” he says.

EDUCATION: Mississippi State University (BS)

INDUSTRY TREND: Protected agriculture and controlled environment farming are reshaping production. Advances in genetics are improving flavor, nutrition and disease resistance. We're also seeing the best practices of regenerative farming gain traction, alongside digital transformation and a growing focus on creating safer, more attractive workplaces.

IN MY DOWNTIME: I still play fast-pitch wood-bat baseball. I may be the oldest player on the team, but I play center field and lead off the batting order. It keeps me competitive, humble and young at heart.

FOOD FIX: A simple plate of grilled fish – preferably grouper or snapper. Fresh, light and hard to beat after a long day.

PERSONAL RESET: I move. Running, lifting or any kind of exercise helps reset my mindset and put things in perspective — even on the days I don't feel like doing it. Usually, those are the days I need it most.

NEXT BIG FOCUS: Making sure our organization has the structure, leadership and talent to capture the opportunities ahead — especially in agriculture and real estate. Growth only happens when the right people and systems are in place.

GIVING BACK

“I've become more patriotic as I've gotten older – so supporting the men and women who have served our country is very important to me. I find meaningful ways to support the Wounded Warrior Project.”