Dr. Kirk Adams
Dr. Kirk Adams is a Professional Speaker and the founder of Innovative Impact LLC., focusing on groundbreaking, high-impact projects that accelerate the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and supercharges a company’s bottom line.
Dr. Adams earned his PhD in leadership and change. He is known as a master connector of key decision-makers in government, corporate America, the nonprofit sector, and disability advocates guiding them to create collaborative solutions that have a real impact in increasing the employment of people with disabilities.
Shannon Allen
I am Shannon Allen and alongside my husband, Judd, am the owner of Bloom Hill Farm in Northeast Ohio. Over 9 years ago, we started our farm with zero farming or plant knowledge and have grown our business from 1/4 acre to now over 20 acres of flower production over 2 farms.
My goal is simple - to inspire you and give you all the information you need to grow the farm of your dreams - on your own terms. I promise, you can do it. I've seen it with my own eyes. You'll need a lot of grit and some farming best friends to guide you. I promise to give you real, honest advice. No marketing gimmicks here. Just love for the flower farming world and a deep desire to see everyone succeed.
A little about me: I am a lover of all things beautiful, and I thrive on flipping through the seed catalogs every winter, dreaming of the new flower varieties I can bring to the farm. Aside from being a full-time farmer, I am a dedicated mother and wife. My happy place is making chocolate chip pancakes for the kids and Judd on Saturday morning and walking the fields dreaming of what is next. My true loves are: Judd, iced coffee, country music, and quiet winter mornings in front of my fire. I can't forget Maxwell, Mae and Madeline - the three kids that call me "momma."
Joan Allgaier
Joan Allgaier is special counsel and practices as a litigator. She is a seasoned trial attorney and specializes in general casualty, medical malpractice, board actions, hospital liability, automobile liability, premises liability, aviation matters, recreation and amusement liability, product liability, professional liability, commercial matters, construction defect, and provides guidance on insurance coverage issues. Ms. Allgaier also counsels insurance professionals, adjusters, recreation providers, and non-profit agencies on safety, risk management, and issues such as best practices to prevent accidents and, when the inevitable happens, accidents response.
Ms. Allgaier is active in several local and specialty bars and is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusiveness efforts in the legal industry. She presents at safety seminars for amusement and recreation providers to teach on matters related to risk management, requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, responding to accidents, and claims handling. Ms. Allgaier teaches at continuing legal education classes on trial skills and how to navigate privileges in order to identify and locate pertinent medical records. Joan was selected for inclusion in Colorado Super Lawyers Magazine, Rising Stars Edition 2013-2017. Most recently, Joan was selected as a “Super Lawyer” in the Medical Malpractice Defense practice area 2021-2024.
Jami Armstrong
Jami Armstrong is a Senior Executive Search Consultant with Nonprofit HR Powered by OneDigital, where she partners with mission-driven organizations, associations, and social impact enterprises to identify and recruit transformational executive talent. With more than a decade of experience in executive search, talent acquisition, and relationship management, Jami is recognized for her ability to lead thoughtful, high-touch search processes that align leadership capability with organizational mission, culture, and long-term strategy.
Throughout her career, Jami has partnered with nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, behavioral health organizations, educational institutions, and membership associations to recruit CEOs, executive directors, vice presidents, and other senior leaders. Her approach combines strategic market insight, inclusive recruitment practices, and a deep understanding of the complexities facing mission-driven organizations today. She is particularly skilled at guiding boards and search committees through collaborative hiring processes while building strong candidate relationships rooted in transparency and trust.
She is known for her collaborative style, strategic thinking, and commitment to building inclusive leadership teams that strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.
Kim Ayers
Kim Ayers has been a dedicated insurance agent at Leavitt Group since 2016, specializing in commercial insurance for Agritourism, Haunts, and any manner of outdoor recreation. Her approach to serving clients is rooted in her deep understanding and experience in these specific sectors. Kim’s expertise extends to understanding these risks and providing appropriate insurance solutions. She values the opportunity to meet with her clients and industry leaders in person. As an educator she strives to meet the needs of the participants. Her sessions are often lively and robust with real time data to help participants feel more involved and educated about their insurance choices. Now an agent for Risk Services Leavitt out of Louisiana, you can find more information at https://www.leavitt.com/louisiana/staff/kim-ayers
Deanna Black
Leading an active lifestyle ever since childhood, Deanna continues to take pride in defying social and physical ideas of age. Combining both western and eastern views on medical care, she has been able to maintain her health and heal from every diagnosis she has had.
Deanna has studied and observed the many contributors of living a "successful" life - from the death of her father at age 56, to the death of her grandfather at age 104, as well as from her own life experiences.
She began her career in fitness in 1985 teaching dance aerobics, and continues to inspire through workshops, classes, retreats and public speaking both locally and internationally.
After living in Cleveland, OH for 27 years, Deanna's homebase is now the home where she grew up in Cambridge, Iowa.
Her favorite titles are Director of Fun at Center Grove Orchard, and Bucketlist Catalyst, providing the tools and motivation to turn dreams into reality with wellness organization, yoga and adventure. Deanna's goal is for others to develop the awareness to prevent, heal and live their inspired life.
Maggie Blankenship
Maggie Blankenship serves as the Assistant Director of Programs and Events for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture where she oversees the WV Grown and Agritourism programs for the state. She has been in the agritourism industry since 2018 and recently started her own Agritourism venture on her family farm. Outside of work, she is also very involved in the agriculture industry through Farm Bureau and serving on her county CVB board.
Katie Colony
Katie Colony is the co-owner of Colony Acres Family Farm in North Liberty, Iowa, where she leads the agritourism side of the family’s century farm. As the driving force behind the farm’s guest experiences, events, marketing, and business development, Katie has helped grow Colony Acres from a seasonal pumpkin patch into a multi-season destination focused on creating meaningful memories and connecting people to agriculture.
Known for leading with authenticity, creativity, and heart, Katie is passionate about building a strong team, embracing new ideas while honoring tradition, and creating a welcoming place for both guests and employees. She enjoys sharing the realities of entrepreneurship, the challenges and rewards of family business, and what it means to lead with purpose in an ever-evolving industry.
Rob & Heather Copley
Rob and Heather Copley own Farmer Copleys, an award-winning farm shop and leading UK agritourism destination. Since returning to the family farm in 2003, they have grown it into a year-round business attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors through retail, food, hospitality, Pick Your Own, and seasonal events.
Their philosophy is simple: always give people a reason to visit. What started as a small farm shop now includes Moo Café, event spaces, Pick Your Own strawberries, the UK's first Pumpkin Festival, a Tulip Festival, Copleys Kitchen, and the Jam Kitchen and Dessert Parlour.
Rob’s background in livestock and Heather’s in agronomy, combined with their passion for food and innovation, have shaped the business into a celebration of British farming with a forward-thinking approach.
Rob has served as Chairman of the Farm Retail Association and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Together, they have led Farmer Copleys to multiple national awards, including UK Large Farm Shop of the Year.
They now speak internationally on business growth, diversification, and customer experience, sharing practical insights and lessons to help others grow and innovate.
Emily Daigle
Dr. Emily Daigle is a systems leader, workforce development strategist, and educator with more than 25 years of experience across public education, nonprofit leadership, and private industry. Her leadership work centers on one essential question: how do we design environments where people can truly work, learn, and thrive?
Dr. Daigle challenges common assumptions about hiring individuals with disabilities—helping farmers see that many of the perceived barriers are simply myths. Backed by research and real-world outcomes, her work highlights what’s possible: fiscal wins, improved retention, dependable teams, and reduced turnover. She also connects this work to a powerful shift in consumer behavior. Today’s patrons are increasingly drawn to farms that stand for something. Creating meaningful employment opportunities doesn’t just strengthen your workforce—it gives customers another reason to choose your farm and keep coming back. Her work doesn’t just help farms fill jobs—it helps them build systems that grow people, strengthen communities and sustain their businesses for the future. Dr. Daigle focuses on helping organizations rethink how their environments, daily work, support systems, and community partnerships come together—because lasting success happens when the whole system is designed with people in mind.
Her work helps farm owners:
● Turn daily tasks into structured training opportunities
● Build partnerships with schools and community programs
● Access local workforce funding and resources
● Create work environments that support a wider range of employees
● Strengthen customer engagement through purpose-driven experiences
Adrianne Dunn
Adrianne Dunn, owner of Montpelier Farms since 2008. What began as a simple corn maze and pumpkin patch has grown into a family destination featuring more than 30 attractions, delicious food, and seasonal festivities. I specialize in creating memorable experiences through the farm's popular Fall Festival and Tulip Festival. In addition to running Montpelier Farms, I have worked as the Assistant Controller for a commercial real estate firm for over 26 years, successfully balancing my corporate career with my passion for agritourism.
Kyle Gannon
Kyle Gannon lives in Montana with his wife Kelli and their one son Van. He’s been in crop insurance for 14 years and has spent his career working in the western half of the country where WFRP and Microfarm have a heavy concentration. Through his involvement with various industry committees, he has worked to help develop these two products into sustainable options for the ag industry. Kyle’s passion is providing the American farmer with viable options for risk management for their operations.
Charlie & Tessa Giffard
Charlie Giffard is the owner of Chillington Hall and Estate which has been in his family for just under 850 years. Along with Tessa they have created Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn as one of their diversification projects for the estate.
Tessa Giffard is co-owner and driving force behind Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn and has been from inception to designing a space where families can come together and both children and parents are happy in the same space.
Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn is an all-weather family adventure play centre located on the Chillington Estate in Staffordshire, UK. Designed for children from toddlers to pre-teens, it features a large indoor-and-outdoor play environment with climbing structures, slides, tunnels, rope bridges, zip lines, swings, a go-kart track, and dedicated areas for younger children.
The venue was built as a diversification project and based around a giant oak-tree-themed play structure inspired by the area's local history and aims to combine imaginative play, physical activity and learning. Alongside the play facilities, it offers an award-winning café serving freshly prepared food, coffee, pizzas, and family-friendly refreshments, making it a destination for both children and adults.
Dan Gingiss
Dan Gingiss is an international keynote speaker and customer experience expert with a dynamic and engaging speaking style that has captivated hundreds of audiences around the globe.
Believing that a remarkable customer experience is the best competitive advantage, Dan shares insights from his 20-year professional career that included leadership positions at McDonald’s, Discover, and Humana.
As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), which fewer than 600 speakers worldwide have achieved, his speaking engagements are enriched by real world examples, actionable strategies, and a whole lot of fun!
Dan is the author of three books, including The Experience Maker, which was ranked by Book Authority as one of the top customer experience books of all time, and its second edition, Becoming The Experience Maker.
He earned a B.A. in psychology and communications from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Dan is also a licensed bartender, a pinball wizard, and he once delivered a pizza to Michael Jordan.
Brad Gritt
Brad Gritt is General Manager of Gritt's Farm and proudly identifies first and foremost as a fourth-generation West Virginia farmer and entrepreneur. Since returning to the family business in 2013, he has helped grow the farm through new events, retail locations, and expanded employment opportunities, all while advancing its mission of being fresh, growing local, and embracing family.
Jason Haglund
Jason Haglund, a seasoned behavioral health leader and fifth-generation farmer, combines expertise in mental health, public policy, and rural resilience to address critical challenges in diverse settings. As a founding member of Rural Policy Partners and co-host of the ‘Stepping In It’ podcast, Jason specializes in system design, behavioral healthcare integration, and strategic planning in rural and frontier communities. Known for his engaging presentation style, Jason draws on his rich professional and agrarian background to deliver practical, relatable insights that empower cross-sector collaboration and understanding of healthy rural populations.
Rider Harris
Rider Harris is the founder of GoBananas.ai, a Las Vegas-based AI workshop company. Over the past three years, he has traveled the country speaking at industry-leading conferences, earning a reputation as a "Swiss Army knife" for practical AI implementation. Rider tailors every session to the audience, giving attendees tools they can use the moment they leave. A University of Missouri grad, he was born in Kansas City and now calls Las Vegas home.
Melissa Hunt
Melissa Hunt has worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for 22 years, 21 of which have been in the Division of Marketing and Development. As the department’s agritourism point person, she loves visiting farms and being an agritourist. Her role at the department allows her to interact with farmers, policymakers, and members of the community to promote agritourism.
Marc-André Isabelle
Marc-André Isabelle graduated in Bioresource Engineering from McGill in 2010 and began his horticulture career with strawberries in 2015.
He then gradually gained experience with flowers and sunflowers. Over this period, he has grown over 100 varieties of sunflowers and well over 200 varieties of flowers to create a picturesque 10 acre flower and sunflower field that surrounds a flower U-pick area.
He acquired knowledge on growing flowers in and out of ground through both research and experimentation resulting in an improved design year after year.
In his free time, Marc André enjoys discovering new ideas and exploring other farms.
Dries Jansen
Dries Jansen is the owner of GardenCenterAdvice BV, an internationally active consultancy specializing in the development of future-proof garden centres and innovative green retail concepts.
With more than 20 years of experience in the international horticultural and garden retail industry, Dries has advised retailers, investors, growers, and developers across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. His expertise combines market analysis, strategic concept development, customer journey optimization, assortment strategy, and sustainable project realization into one integrated approach.
Through GardenCenterAdvice BV, Dries supports new developments, renovations, and optimization projects for garden centers and other retail by combining data-driven decision making with practical retail expertise. His work focuses on maximizing commercial performance while creating inspiring customer experiences.
Driven by innovation, sustainability, and data, Dries believes that successful retail stores combine commercial performance with memorable customer experiences.
His mission is simple: Greening the World — creating inspiring retail centers where people, nature, and business grow together.
John Kennedy
Over the last 29 years, John Kennedy has presented to nearly 750,000 audience members worldwide delivering a dramatic and sustainable impact on scores of companies and associations within the tourism, agriculture and horticulture industries.
His extensive client list includes 100 state associations and national associations, growers, farms, nurseries, tourism destinations, and independent garden centers throughout North America.
John specializes in strategic planning, on-boarding/retention, leadership development & teamwork, and building fully engaged workplace cultures.
He and his wife, Souny are co-founders of BoomerWrangle, LLC—A digital workplace solutions agency bringing big business solutions to small – medium sized businesses through benchmarking, intranet platforms, e-commerce and business applications.
Souny Kennedy
For the last two decades, Souny Kennedy has been a successful business owner and innovator, leading the digital frontier of each role she has held in the communications, web development and travel-related industries, and is now the co-owner of BoomerWrangle, LLC.
Souny has a national reputation for creating workplace solutions that drive efficiencies, streamline processes, report and compare data, and enhance employee engagement.
Many of you may remember the Agri-Benchmarking platform for NAFDMA a few years ago, and Souny has continued to build solutions with surveys, marketing intelligence reporting, the ConnectSpace intranet platform, E-Commerce Connect, and nearly two dozen customized digital applications for small-medium sized businesses.
Souny is in high demand across multiple associations, brands and industries in North America. She and her husband John have built a digital solutions agency that currently connects and benchmarks nearly 200 independent garden centers to their suppliers, driving e-commerce revenue and relevance into the future of retail.
Jackson Kerchis
Jackson Kerchis is a former operations leader, startup executive, and Zen monk. He’s a co-founder and partner at Happiness Means Business and Warrior Leader Training Companies where he helps business and military leaders solve “people problems.”
He has developed solutions to re-engage burnt out executives, drive a $3M business turnaround, and improve mental health and end strength in the armed forces.
Jackson applies happiness and human flourishing research to improve individual, team, and organizational performance. He has spoken to everyone from special forces teams and Marine Corps drill instructors to high school students, lawyers, and truckers.
He holds an executive coaching diploma from Emory’s Goizueta Business School. He is the author of three books including the Amazon best-seller — Beyond Profit & Productivity: Putting Positive Workplace Culture to Work. He is a former TEDx speaker and a frequent presenter at association conferences and company events.
Johnny Lyle
Johnny Lyle’s job title is 'Attention Seeker' at CAP.Co, Creating Adventurous Places, a British adventure play company already making waves in North America through work with Lewis Adventure Farm and Pingles Farm Market.
Back home, CAP.Co designs and builds for farms, visitor attractions, theme parks and historic properties, and yes, that includes working for King Charles as holders of the Royal Warrant. They've picked up awards for accessibility, inclusiveness and design along the way.
Johnny was part of the founding team in 2014, but before that he helped create BeWILDerwood in Norfolk, which went on to win the award for best children's attraction in the world.
Jean Martin
With more than 30 years of experience in human resources, Jean Martin is an HR Management Consultant with Seawright & Associates, advising employers across a wide range of industries nationwide. She brings deep expertise in both state and federal employment regulations, using seasoned insight to navigate complex workplace challenges—including developing employee handbooks that are both compliant and practical. Known for her direct communication style, Jean’s presentations are packed with valuable advice, practical tips, and real-life stories that participants relate to and learn from.
Sara Mazzolla
Sara actively defends matters involving premises liability, amusements, sports and recreation, construction, automobile, and condominium/community association law. Sara also defends professional liability claims involving sports coaches and real estate professionals.
In her career, Sara has defended Fortune 500 retailers, restaurant businesses, and major hospital networks in New Jersey premises liability actions. Sara routinely represents sports facilities, World and Olympic coaches, athletes, sports teams, and contractors in a wide array of matters.
She is a former U.S. International Figure Skating Team Competitor, two-time U.S. National Figure Skating Championship Medalist (including winning a National Championship) and World Junior Team Member.
In conjunction with a pro bono organization, Partners for Women and Justice, Sara has successfully represented domestic violence victims in obtaining final restraining orders in New Jersey family court.
Lyndsay Mercer
Lyndsay Biehl-Mercer of Wildroot Flower Co. is a seasoned flower farmer and passionate educator based in southeast Ohio. With nearly a decade of experience growing and selling seasonal blooms, she’s built a thriving business through workshops, a CSA, and community events. As co-host of The Dirt on Flowers podcast, she inspires growers nationwide with real-talk business tips and a side of humor. Her specialty? Helping farmers turn their creative ideas into profitable, meaningful experiences.
Helen Messick
Helen Messick is the Events and Marketing Coordinator at her family's year-round agritourism destination, Messick's Farm Market in Bealeton, Virginia. A James Madison University graduate with a degree in Hospitality Management, she combines a love of agriculture, marketing, and community engagement to help grow the family business. Helen enjoys turning ideas from NAFDMA and the agritourism community into memorable experiences for guests on the farm.
Andrew Miller
Andrew Miller is Co-Founder and CEO of Tulip Valley Farms in Mount Vernon, Washington, operating within Skagit County—one of the most contentious agritourism policy environments in the country. A licensed attorney with a J.D. from Seattle University, Andrew pairs legal training with firsthand scars from zoning disputes, land use conflicts, and regulatory battles he's navigated as an operator. He holds an MBA from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master's in Strategic Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master's in Organizational Development from Gonzaga University, and previously worked in strategic management and risk at Amazon and Expedia.
Andrew has taught strategy, risk management, leadership, and entrepreneurship across academia and several industries. He brings both legal precision and hard-won practitioner insight to the policy fights shaping agritourism today.
Denise Pane
Denise Páne is the CEO and Founder of Access Design Studio. Denise and Access Design Studio are recognized globally as a leading expert on ADA compliant accessible websites. Inspired by her Special Olympian brother, she is a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities. With more than 25 years of award-winning website design expertise, Access Design Studio specializes in making websites compelling and user-friendly for people of all abilities.
Denise resides is a large agrotourism area called Apple Hill in Northern California.
Robbie Parks
Robbie specializes in helping small businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation, from developing comprehensive marketing strategies to implementing cutting-edge AI solutions. Her areas of expertise include marketing, communications, graphic design, brand design and management, search engine optimization (SEO), and artificial intelligence (AI). A nationally recognized facilitator and presenter, Robbie transforms complex business concepts into practical, actionable learning experiences. Through the development and delivery of high-impact continuing education programs, she equips entrepreneurs and business professionals with the tools, strategies, and confidence to compete in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Her courses span the full arc of modern business essentials and are designed to meet learners where they are, leaving them not just informed but empowered to take immediate action in their businesses.
Sarah Polzin
Sarah Polzin is a Co-Owner and the VP of Retail Operations at Down to Earth Garden Center & Landscaping in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a family-owned business in operation for 29 years. After a 15-year career in healthcare leadership, she joined the business full-time, bringing a people-first approach to operations, communication, and team development. Sarah is passionate about building strong teams through practical systems that create clarity, engagement, and accountability. She focuses on turning everyday leadership moments into lasting culture by helping teams take ownership and grow together, rooted in the belief that when you plant your people well, everything else follows.
Jonathan Raduns
Jonathan Raduns's deep-rooted passion for farm retail began with his family's produce sales, Western NY tailgate markets, and fresh produce retailing with Wegmans. Since 2012, his company, Merchandise Food, advises leading restaurant and hospitality groups, along with natural, specialty, grocery, and farm retailers across North America. He's here to give you practical, actionable advice that you can put into practice tomorrow.
Melissa Register
Prior to becoming an independent consultant and coach in 2020, Mary co-founded BTS Consulting and Training, LLC. For 20 years, she led a team of professional facilitators and support staff who conducted leadership, management, customer satisfaction and specialized training and for automotive retail, manufacturing, government, consulting and retail clients.
Her delivery footprint includes locations throughout the US as well as Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Canada and Europe – quite an accomplishment for a country girl who grew up on a farm in mid-Michigan. Mary holds an undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in Communication and a master’s degree from Michigan State University in Education. She has two fabulous daughters and loves to travel to escape Michigan winters and hang out on the pontoon boat in the all too short Michigan summer.
Ted Rita
“Capturing imaginations and giving visitors and volunteers a reason to care, especially the youth, gives me purpose.”
Ted Rita is an imaginative Visionary and Executive Director of the Hesston Steam Museum.
For 40 years, he has been expertly restoring and operating historic steam engines, tractors and locomotives with safety, professionalism, and showmanship.
With his team, they provide larger than life experiences to inspire an understanding of how the innovation of steam power impacted humanity.
Paired with the skills he acquired in his extensive career with an advertising agency that served Fortune 500 companies, his unique approach to heritage tourism and exhibit design also make him a sought-after consultant by museum colleagues.
He teaches that at the center of the experience is the guest; therefore, you must lead with hospitality and embed moments of education within an entertaining environment. In this way, you build an attraction that resonates for a lifetime.
Peter Shapiro
Peter Shapiro is a New York and New Jersey attorney and a partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, a national law firm (of which he is the co-General Counsel) with more than 40 years of legal experience. Peter’s practice is focused on employment, directors and officers litigation, professional liability matters, consumer claims, and commercial litigation. Peter is a recognized leader in the defense of disability discrimination claims, including claims that company websites do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act because they are not accessible to individuals who have vision or hearing impairments. He has presented at webinars on this topic to corporate and insurance carrier audiences, and he has handled more than 650 such litigations and pre-suit disputes. He also counsels clients about risk avoidance and risk transfer issues related to such claims.
John Stanley
John is often called the Retail Guru.
In over 50 years, he has worked with clients in over 35 countries.
John has authored numerous books on agritourism-based retailing and, along with his daughter, Lara, has developed the Agritourism Training Academy, which provides the most comprehensive training package available.
Over his career John has always been focused on garden centers and farm markets.
John is based in Western Australia, where he and his wife, Linda operate an agritourism venture based on sweet chestnuts.
Dr. Kristen Strom
Dr. Kristen Strom is an award-winning leader in agriculture and education who brings a powerful, relatable message to agricultural audiences. Alongside her husband, she was honored with the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, recognizing their leadership, service, and success in agriculture.
With a background as a teacher and professor, Kristen now helps individuals find balance, rediscover their purpose, and create meaningful impact in their professional and personal lives. She speaks to agricultural organizations and communities about the real challenges of balancing business, family, and well-being, equipping audiences with practical strategies to thrive both on and off the farm.
Stephanie Stuckey
Stephanie Stuckey is Chief Growth Officer of Stuckey’s, a highway oasis serving pecan log rolls and fun to generations of Americans. Founded in 1937 by her grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr., in Eastman, Georgia, Stuckey’s grew to over 350 stores nationwide by its peak in the 1970s. The company declined under a series of outside corporate owners but began its revival in 2019 when Stephanie and her partners reacquired the brand.
In January 2021, the Stuckey’s team acquired a manufacturing facility in Wrens, GA, and has since been reinventing the brand as a pecan snack and candy company, selling to retailers nationwide.
Stephanie earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. She has worked as a trial lawyer, served seven terms as a state representative, led sustainability initiatives as Director of Sustainability for Atlanta, and taught at the University of Georgia School of Law. Her achievements include being named one of the Most Admired CEOs of 2022 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, being listed among Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians, and graduating from Leadership Atlanta.
Her book, UnStuck: Rebirth of an American Icon, published in 2024, chronicles her journey reviving Stuckey’s and has been positively reviewed by the Wall Street Journal and Georgia Public Broadcasting, among others.
Aaron TerBerg
Aaron TerBerg is the owner/operator of Brofessional LLC and is a visual storyteller who shoots events and agritourism farm promotions full-time. His focus is making the farm, and the people on the farm, look as good on screen as they do in person. Aaron has been a partner with NAFDMA for the past 5 years, producing much of the content you see on-screen at their Conventions.
Avery Wheelock
Mr. Wheelock has an extensive background in amusement rides operation maintenance and inspections having owned a carnival that traveled the eastern seaboard for many years.
In 2007 he sold his equipment and formed ALW Consulting Inc. providing Amusement Consulting Services and Non-Destructive Testing. And in 2008 started performing Inspections for various inspection companies as a sub-contractor.
Worldwide Safety Group Inc. was founded by Avery Wheelock in the fall of 2018 and started performing inspections in January 2019 under that name.
Rachael Woods
Rachael Woods is a corporate marketer turned small business owner who loves analytics almost as much as she loves coffee. She is a marketing strategy expert with an MBA and more than 20 years of experience in a wide range of industries. Raised in Washington's Skagit Valley, surrounded by farmland and agriculture, she knows first-hand how important agritourism can be in our communities, and how challenging it can be to market these experiences effectively. Rachael's goal is to make the complex world of marketing feel a little more clear, doable, and effective.
Julie Zasada
Julie Zasada has learned that providing organization around chaos allows innovation to thrive.
As an Integrator with 24 years in nonprofit management, including the past 12 years as Executive Director of the Cedar Lake Historical Association, she knows firsthand that sharpening a Visionary’s ideas can bring big projects to fruition.
Inspiring people to care and improving cash flow to preserve and sustain a 105-year old historic property required wading into uncharted waters.
The Museum at Lassen’s Resort’s Dewey Line resort history cruises have elevated the presentation of the relevance of Cedar Lake’s history, provided an exponential return on investment, and improved guest impressions to increase repeat visitorship.
Kylee Zdunic-Rasch
Kylee Zdunic-Rasch has been working in crop insurance for a decade. Her experience growing up on a farm and being married to an apple farmer translate well into her professional life - so she is not exaggerating when she says she lives and breathes agriculture.
Kylee earned her undergraduate degree in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University and then went on to complete her MBA. As an insurance agent at Newaygo Insurance Agency, she is proud to be able to help growers in the event that a disaster strikes, while keeping their bottom line in mind.