July 26, 2016
During the month of July, 2016, Ocala Magazine posted the Forty under 40 recipients along with a complete bio and headshot! I was both surprised and honored to have been selected.
Laura McCormick
President – Florida Grub Hub
Owner – Rose Blossom Farm
About me: I am originally from Upstate NY. Relocated to FL in 1999 and now consider myself quite the Floridian. I graduated from Santa Fe College, in Gainesville, in 2005 and have been in Ocala since 2009 where I have been lucky enough to start both my businesses.
My first love is my horse farm. Every day I am blessed to wake up surrounded by beauty. Green grass, towering oak trees, wide open spaces and, of course, my four-legged family.
My family and friends inspire me every day to push myself to be more. To grow and learn and challenge myself in new ways. There are so many things left to do and such little time to do them! Through loss and humility I have learned to cherish every moment, to smile every chance I get, to notice all the little things and to keep moving forward, no matter what.
I hope to change the future of the agricultural industry in Florida by providing aggregation and distribution for small to mid-size, area farmers. Visiting farms and hearing the stories of those who work to raise animals, or grow vegetables, for us to survive, inspires me to do what I do. I love to help these farmers find security in their livelihood and to share their products with local consumers. We have become so disconnected with our food supply that we have forgotten how noble a profession farming is.
I love being involved in my community. As an Ocala Main Street Board Member, I am eager to participate in all the developments and activities happening in our city. As a Crones Cradle Conserve Foundation Board Member, I am learning all there is to know about natural farming and ready to help educate everyone else about it, too! In so many ways, I am just getting started. As in any path to small business ownership, there have been some bumps and turns along the way but now, my only fear is that I stop moving forward. When I do have some spare time, I enjoy getting together with friends for good music and great food or curling up on the front porch with a cup of coffee and a good book.
My greatest achievement: Building and maintaining my personal relationships. I am so grateful for my loved ones and close friends. I would not be who I am today, or where I am today, if it were not for their incredible support and guidance. They have seen me through the best and worst times and I am humbly honored to have each and every one of them in my life. I am also grateful for my business partners. Working with those who believe in the same vision and trust each other enough to give something a try, has changed the future development of Florida Grub Hub to be bigger and better than I could have ever imagined.
In 10 years I hope to: Have a family of my own I will have also, hopefully, opened several local food hubs in Florida! I support local farms!!
My biggest revelation is: The only thing in life that is truly constant, is change.
Last song I listened to: Awake My Soul by Mumford & Sons
My favorite quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
An event that changed my life: The death of my father. The situation and circumstances leading up to it taught me so many lessons. It changed my outlook on life and my concept of time. Even in the darkest times, you can find some light…somewhere.
#1 on my bucket list: California Coast Road Trip!!
I would rather be: in Fiji
One way to improve Ocala: Community gardens. Implementing gardens in all areas of the city would encourage self-sustainability, relationship building, a sense of community awareness and better access to healthy food for everyone.
My greatest extravagance: Eating out! I love local restaurants and dives. Everything from a burger and a beer to a steak and a glass of wine!
If I had one wish: I would want to fly. No wings or capes or anything. Just straight up flying.
All you need is: good beer, great friends and a little Florida sunshine!
My perfect idea of happiness: is a good book, a hammock on the beach, under a palm tree, with a margarita in my hand.
Celebrity I most identify with: I think I could be Pocahontas. lol
People know me for: being their connection to real, local food!
I love Ocala because: the people here are incredible…friendly, compassionate, fun and exciting. I feel safe here. There is such a variety of life in this city and every corner I turn provides for more opportunity to grow and learn. I love Ocala because of the history and culture. Because of the picturesque farmland and the majestic oak trees. I love Ocala because amidst all the positive energy and excitement, sometimes you can still find yourself lost in the woods next to a river, surrounded by complete silence.
In another life, I'd: I can’t imagine any other life. I am so fortunate to be living the one I already have!
See the Ocala Magazine post here: Laura McCormick - 2016 Forty Under 40
Commenti