Candidate for Tolomato Island Board of Directors
John Lee Bagwell
If you didn't know, Georgia's oldest and largest industry is Agribusiness. It contributes some $74 Billion to the State's economy. I was a part of that industry for several years managing large farms in Georgia, Missouri, and Arizona. In my own successful Agri service business, we provided crop consulting, advice on organic and chemical solutions, and provided budget and ROI assistance. In addition, my wife Joanna owns, and we operate several local businesses.
By education, vocation, and passion, I am an educator, currently teaching and coaching at McIntosh County's Middle School in Darien. How does that background lead to becoming a candidate for the Board of Directors? Successful farmers and teachers are good listeners. We listen before we jump to a conclusion. I have listened and I believe Tolomato Island needs to reevaluate its mission and move toward goals that always work for the benefit of its owners.
Joanna, our children Lily, Clayton, and Jolee, our dog Charlie and I are engaged in Tolomato Island and the local community. It is our home. As an active family we utilize the amenities, and I've been known to treat myself to a few casts for bass at the pond. As local businesspersons, we understand local government, know local contractors, and of course see the future every day in the kids in the classrooms.
In my time on the past Architectural Review Board, I found people, not just ARB members truly concerned with the future of Tolomato. Without full Board of Director's support, we brought major issues to the community's attention (the need to combine lots, the need for upgraded infrastructure, drainage etc.). With the help of community minded people, we were working toward real solutions. Those needs still exist along with real time for listening and dialog with the extended Tolomato Island community.
If you believe as I do, that Tolomato Island can sustain reasonable growth, pleasing to both the community and the owner-builders where all parties understand the goals and can communicate openly, then I ask for your vote. If you believe as I do, that the Board of the Directors works for the owners, then I ask again for your vote.
Experience
Family Businesses – Eulonia Beverage, Darien Beverage, Altman's Present
Advanced AG Solutions, Tifton GA – Sales Consultant 2018 – Present
Organic and Conventional crop management.
Soil and plant nutrition management.
Increased crop yield and sales return
Frey Bothers Farm, Kennett, MO – Melon Farm Manager 2017 – 2018
Maintained grower relations.
Responsible for insect and disease control programs.
Coordinated harvest / shipment of watermelons.
Bagwell Agriservice, Cordele, GA – Crop Consultant 2011 – 2017
Managed vegetable development in the Southeast United States and Guatemala.
Provide technical information and support to growers.
Developed and implemented farm budgets.
Monitored and advised all stages of crop production.
Formulated chemical applications using organic and conventional products.
Supervised and scheduled all workers.
Maximized Return on Investment by increasing yields by 25%.
Negotiated produce sales contracts with retailers and wholesalers.
Liaison between growers and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Participate in University plant and chemical trials.
Georgia Public Schools - Educator 1999 – 2011
Progressively increases student achievement.
Taught adult education classes.
Coached high school baseball and football.
Martori Farms, Scottsdale, AZ – Specialty Produce Advisor 2002 – 2003
Managed specialized produce sales and harvesting in Arizona and California.
Revamped product harvesting and packaging process to maximize daily productivity.
Provided guidance to product managers and salesmen.
Supervised million-dollar specialty harvesting operations.
Tremont Farms, Cordele, GA – Farm and Sales Manager 1995 – 2002
Managed year-round produce sales, including coordinating shipments for the grower to the wholesale or retailer.
Sold quality produce to food services accounts throughout the US and Canada.
Established and maintained repeat customer base.
Expanded yearly regional sales by 20%.
Generated half million-dollar sales while working within a small budget.
Education and Licenses
Georgia Southwestern State University - Bachelor of Science in Education
State of Georgia Teaching Certificate
If you would like to ask me questions, you may openly dialogue with me by first clicking on my blog Title and entering a comment at the bottom.