MIKE JOYNER

PRESIDENT, FLORIDA FRUIT & VEGETABLE ASSOCIATION, MAITLAND

Joyner became president in 2018 of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, which serves as the voice for Florida farmers. It helps shape agricultural public policy and has three subsidiaries: FFVA Mutual Insurance Co., Florida East Coast Travel Services and Third Party Registration. It employs 170. During his work in state government, Joyner was involved in drafting and advocating for the Everglades Forever Act and the Florida Forever Act.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would prioritize Florida’s investment in infrastructure (roads, bridges and water supply, etc.) and the conservation of our natural resources to keep up with Florida’s rapidly growing population. Our safety and the quality of life that should define Florida depends on it.

READING/LISTENING: I often recommend Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is a great book filled with leadership lessons. I also often recommend any book by Jon Meacham or his podcast Hope, Through History. Finally, many articles from New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. He sees around corners.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: The Florida farmer inspires me. They face so many uncertainties including markets, weather, supply chains, labor availability, and they still meet our needs. Food security is national security, and they serve our country and our state every day.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: The content of your character always matters. It was stressed by my parents and my wife and I stressed it with our daughters. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said it best when he wrote 'The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think and what you do is who you become.'

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA
“As important as what I do is how I do it. Be bold and lead with character and passion.”