MICHAEL BASORE

President, TKM Bengard Farms, Belle Glade

Founded in 1996, TKM Bengard Farms is one of the nation’s biggest producers of lettuce. Managed by the six Basore brothers — Tom Jr., Brian, Toby, Kevin, Stephen and Michael — the company has about 900 employees and grows produce on more than 8,000 acres. As a board member of the University of Florida Leadership Education Foundation, Basore helps promote research and fundraising awareness for upcoming agricultural students and assists in allocating funds to surrounding areas. “A goal of mine is to invite agritourism to the Glades as a whole in order to educate the community on how important Florida agriculture is to our area, while protecting the environment and the Everglades,” he says.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BA)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would address two critical issues: restoring our lakes to a healthy level and lowering insurance rates. Firstly, restoring our lakes to a level between 12-15 feet is essential for revitalizing their ecosystems and ensuring their long-term health. This initiative would involve implementing strategic water management policies to regulate lake levels and promote biodiversity. Secondly, tackling the issue of high insurance rates is crucial for the financial well-being of Florida residents.

MENTOR: My father, Tom Basore, was my mentor who taught me many valuable lessons in life. First, he instilled in me the invaluable lesson that respect is earned, not given. Doing right by others and acting with integrity in every situation is the foundation for building meaningful relationships and achieving success. Second, he taught me that you have to be willing to take risks in life. Setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning from failure leads to greater success.

READING: Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand, and the Holy Bible