AVERY C. ROBERTS

CEO & FOUNDER, THE ROBERTS COS., LAKE BUTLER

The Roberts Cos. have been in timber, real estate development and horizontal construction since the business’ inception in 1980. Over the years, the brand of companies and its subsidiaries have grown to be leaders in the region in their diverse specialties. Collectively, Roberts Cos. employ around 50 people. As the current president of the Florida Forestry Association, Roberts is leading efforts to support and grow existing wood markets as well as encourage new uses for forest products, such as the utilization of mass timber in construction.

FIRST JOB: Working on my father’s farm. Before I was 10, I put up fences, worked in the tobacco fields, helped with cattle and did all the other jobs a 10-year-old can do on a farm.

NONPROFIT PASSION: My wife, Twyla, and I are big supporters of the Florida Gateway College Foundation, as well as the agriculture and trade programs in local high schools.

PASSION PROJECT: Working with the land isn’t just part of my job, it’s my passion. It’s the lifeblood of my community and an important part of my family history and legacy. People think of the state as beaches or theme parks, but you can’t talk about the real Florida without talking about forestry and agriculture. They are key players in our environment, economy and way of life. My mission is to keep them an active part of the conversation.

EDUCATION

“I am self-taught. I planted my first pine tree stand when I was 17. The next year, two months after high school graduation, I started what would become The Roberts Companies.”