John and Linda Conroy
Owners
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 by 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 10 grandchildren continues to keep her quite busy. She is dedicated to her family and loves every minute of it.
Aaron Smith
General Manager
Aaron Smith is the General Manager at Fish Branch Tree Farm, Inc. Aaron graduated from The University of Florida in December of 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Operations Management. He has been part of the Fish Branch team since January of 2014. He actually met his wife Sorrel at the tree farm and they are happily married with 2 children. In his spare time he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.
Wendy Hunter
Office Manager
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
Field Supervisor
Mark Roberts is a lifetime resident of Hardy 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 cow calf 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
Administrative Professional
Lori Lowers is the daughter of John and Linda Conroy. Like her mother, she is a WV transplant. She earned her master’s degree in administration and spent 26 years in education before retiring and joining the Fish Branch family in October of 2020.
Mike Honaker
Field Manager
Mike joined the Fish Branch family in February 2023. He came to us after spending 30 years in the golf industry. He was born and raised in the sunshine state. Mike has been a resident of Arcadia, FL for the past 12 years and enjoys working outdoors.