MCALLEN, TX – With 41 years of commitment to the citrus industry, Jud Flowers was welcomed into the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) Hall of Fame this week. Selected by a group of his peers, Flowers was recognized for his years of remarkable leadership at the helm of Lone Star Citrus—a strong, reliable, and efficient produce company built on the foundation of Flowers’ passion for the Texas citrus industry—and the accomplishment of owning one of the last independently-owned citrus operations in Texas.
“We built Lone Star with passion and determination to bring added value to the citrus buying customer while serving the independent grower,” said Jud Flowers, President, in a press release. “Those ideals are at the core of everything we do, and I am honored to be a part of this journey and to be recognized by TIPA as an inductee in the Hall of Fame.”
Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Flowers started his career in 1977 as the Citrus Research & Demonstration Manager at Rio Farms. From there, he ventured to Pride O'Texas to take on the General Manager position during a time when the Texas citrus industry was struggling.
While rebuilding Pride O'Texas, Flowers was introduced to Healds Valley Farms and soon became the President and General Manager, where he served for 20 years. From there, not ready to slow down, Flowers began pursuing his dream of starting and building his own business within the citrus industry.
In 2007, he partnered with T.J. Flowers and Trent Bishop, successfully launching Lone Star Citrus that same year.
Honoring his hard work and perseverance throughout the years, TIPA has inducted him into the same Hall of Fame that has also recognized the contributions of past and present leaders in the Texas produce industry.
“My dad has built some amazing things in his life, and he’s not finished yet,” said T.J. Flowers, Vice President of Operations. “It is an honor to be his son and I look forward to the future as we continue to seek new opportunities to progress our business and ultimately the Texas citrus industry.”
The Lone Star Citrus team was in attendance at the event as Flowers and eight other inductees were welcomed into the TIPA Hall of Fame.
As Flowers is constantly building and seeking new opportunities, the Lone Star brand will continue to develop with his guidance and leadership. For more information about Lone Star Citrus and its growers, visit http://lonestarcitrus.com/.
Congratulations, Jud Flowers! For more produce industry accomplishments, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
