Kent Shoemaker is CEO of Lipman Family Farms, the nation’s largest network of local growers, fresh-cut processors, and distributors. Thousands of acres of farms in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, California, and Mexico, along with hothouses in Canada and Mexico, allow Lipman to grow and ship fresh produce 365 days a year.
Kent is the first non-family member to run the fourth-generation, family-owned company that has been in business for over 80 years. He has the honor of leading a team of thousands who make Lipman an industry leader.
Kent graduated from Florida State University.
In addition to working with Lipman, Kent serves on the boards of The Schostak Companies and West Side Beer. He is a member of the Florida Council of 100.
Kent is proudest of being married since 1984 to his wife Lynn. They have two grown children and two amazing grandsons. Kent spends his free time saltwater fishing. His passion for preserving Florida wildlife is based on a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors. He was certified to scuba dive at 12 years old in John Pennekamp State Park and caught his first sailfish as a teenager off of Stuart. He now lives in Naples and fishes for snapper and grouper often.
