MICHAEL BASORE

PRESIDENT, TKM BENGARD FARMS, BELLE GLADE

Basore, an avid fisherman, operates the family-owned business with his five brothers. TKM expanded into the processed-greens market — bagged salads — in 1996 and later partnered with California rancher Tom Bengard. The TKM Bengard partnership is one of the biggest lettuce producers east of the Mississippi.

Basore graduated from the University of Florida and the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, a two-year program for leaders in agriculture and natural resources from across Florida.

The company supports New Hope Charities, a food distribution program that provides a family center to children in remote impoverished communities, along with the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County and Place of Hope.