BRIAN PHILPOT

CEO & PRINCIPAL OWNER, AGAMERICA, LAKELAND

AgAmerica is a financing company specializing in agricultural real estate. It provides financing designed to meet the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural landowners. The company employs over 100. Along with other business leaders, Philpot created Lakeland Leads, a nonprofit that partners with the local school board and businesses to produce a skilled workforce.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS), University of Florida (JD)

FIRST JOB: I started a small lawn business, and I made deliveries for a flower shop.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I would be a college professor.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I like to listen to metal music, and I like to study quantum physics and cosmology.

PASSION PROJECT: I’ve enjoyed being part of the Lakeland Economic Development Council and being involved in creating Catapult as an incubator for entrepreneurs to create and launch businesses. It is one of the most unique incubators of its kind in Florida and the United States.

INDUSTRY TREND: Political and consumer trends have a significant and direct impact on farmers. The work farmers do is often taken for granted. What they do is not only a business, but a lifestyle, and it requires tremendous effort, planning and risk in order to provide our population with our most basic necessities.