John Conroy is President, founder, and owner of Fish Branch Tree Farm, Inc. Fish Branch has sponsored and hosted many educational events that have covered a wide range of topics. He chaired the committee for the last two revisions of Florida’s Grades & Standards for Palms. John has also presented at many industry venues on various topics relating to palms. He was awarded the 2019 Educator of the Year and was the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee for FNGLA. John obtained both a B.S. and M.S. degree in Education from Florida State University. In the 1970’s and 1980’s he owned garden centers with landscaping, irrigation and sod operations. John founded Fish Branch Tree Farm in 1988, which has grown to 325 acres, located in Southwest Florida. Over the years John has sought to develop innovative production methods and has promoted new or under-utilized trees. He owns the plant patents to Boardwalk® and Park Side® live oaks. Recently, John played a key role in the establishment of a committee formed to review and refine a broad range of issues facing Florida’s Department of Transportation’s landscape program. John has a continuing passion for sharing knowledge with others for the betterment and growth of the industry. Linda Conroy is a WV transplant. She earned a master’s degree in education and spent 25 years in the public school system. As the tree farm began to grow, she joined her husband John full time in 1994. She remains engaged daily in the business and having 4 children and 11 grandchildren continues to keep her quite busy. She is dedicated to her family and loves every minute of it.
Aaron Smith is the General Manager of Fish Branch Tree Farm. He graduated from the University of Florida in December 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Operations Management and joined the Fish Branch team in January 2014. Aaron is also a Certified Arborist. Aaron met his wife, Sorrel, at the tree farm, and they are now happily married with four children. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.
Wendy Hunter is the Office Manager/Secretary of Fish Branch Tree Farm, Inc. She is a transplant from Western New York and still admits to being a huge Buffalo Bills fan. Although she had no formal education in the tree farming business when she joined Fish Branch in 2003, she has since learned to navigate the industry and has gained many friends along the way. Having worked in fields from legal offices to the restaurant business, Wendy believes the greatest network of people are involved in the landscape industry.
Mark Roberts is a lifetime resident of Hardee County and has been in agriculture all his life. He worked and studied criminal justice and was a K-9 officer for 13 years. He then became a ranch foreman on a cattle operation, which also involved land management for 16 years. He was given the opportunity to be a part of the Fish Branch team in 2022. He enjoys working with the great team of people at Fish Branch.
Lori Lowers is the Vice President of Fish Branch Tree Farm and the daughter of John and Linda Conroy. Like her mother, she is a West Virginia transplant. Lori earned her master’s degree in administration and devoted 26 years to a career in education before retiring. She joined the Fish Branch family in October 2020.
Ryan Divin is a Texas transplant with eight years of experience in Florida’s horticultural industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Plant and Soil Science and a master’s degree in Agriculture. Ryan is also a Certified Arborist and an FNGLA Certified Horticultural Professional. In 2024, Ryan joined the Fish Branch team, bringing his expertise, industry credentials, and passion for horticulture to the farm’s dedicated team. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, sons, and animals.
