Who We Are 
Ed Verner - President
Ed, the founder of Florida Tree Source, Inc., has a degree from Duke University and has formed, owned and operated numerous business entities over the past fifteen years. Ed's grandfather Lew Prosser first arrived in Plant City, Florida in 1919. He made a great impact statewide on Florida's Agriculture industry through research and innovation. Ed's parents, Dr. John Verner and Sally Prosser Verner raised their family in central Florida. Ed's father assumed the helm of the family business in 1987. Ed credits his grandfather Lew Prosser for instilling in him how important agriculture and horticulture are to the economy and well being of the American people.
Gil Gott - Executive Vice President
Gil has a background in management, sales, and administration, and has worked for large and small corporations in the private sector, for various chambers of commerce, an economic development council, and for state government. Gil has served as the regional president of the Association of Government Accountants, and has owned and operated several small businesses. A graduate of Georgetown University, Gil also teaches History and Political Science at Hillsborough Community College.
Sean Phelps - Sales and Marketing Manager
sean.phelps@floridatreesource.com
Sean has an Associate in Science Degree in Ornamental Horticulture and 15 yrs experience in the industry. Sean handles day-to-day sales and long-term marketing strategies. Sean has been a key member in the establishment of Florida Tree Source, Inc.
Jeff Blackwell - Production Manager
jblackwell@floridatreesource.com
Jeff graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Environmental Horticulture and has spent over 15 years working in the Horticultural Industry. His past work experiences as a grower for Butler Tree Farm, a Manager for SMR, and a landscape coordinator for Publix supermarkets brings a wealth of experience to Florida Tree Source operations. Jeff and the production team are focused on producing Florida's #1 finest trees for your landscape projects.
Didier Jupillat - Chief Financial Officer
djupillat@floridatreesource.com
Didier has an MBA Degree from the Wharton School (U. of Pennsylvania), and 8 years of experience in the industry. He acquired a broad knowledge of tree farm operations via in-depth analysis of all production and business processes, including inventory management, strategic planning and budgeting. His background also includes 12 years of marketing and Export Management in the citrus industry, both here in Florida and in South America. Didier has served two years in a row as a Certified Examiner for the Florida Sterling Council, a not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive Office of the Governor, dedicated to improve the competitiveness of Florida businesses.
Charla Harper - Sales Assistant / Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable / Accounting
Phil Budworth - Executive Sales Associate
Steve Smith - Operations Coordinator
David Patton - IT Coordinator
Maria Nolasco - Production Office Assistant