GARY WISHNATZKI
CEO, WISH FARMS, PLANT CITY
The strawberry industry in Central Florida dates to the late 1800s, when Henry B. Plant’s railroad came to what is now Plant City and provided growers a means of transportation to northern markets. Wishnatzki rebranded his family’s business, the largest berry grower and shipper in Florida, as Wish Farms in 2009. He has led a strawberry industry effort to mechanize harvesting, creating Harvest CROO Robotics; about 70% of the U.S. strawberry industry has invested in the project.
| EDUCATION | Plant High School |
| CIVIC IMPACT | The Wish Farms Family Foundation donates the equivalent of at least 3% of our net profits to the foundation. The money supports charities connected to food security, education and community. |
| FAVORITE PART OF LEADERSHIP | Several years ago, I decided that I only want to do the fun stuff. I love the marketing aspect of the business. |
| SOMETHING SURPRISING | I love music. I keep up with all of the new artists. |