Bud Litowich joined his father’s company and became his business partner in 1945 at the age of 24. The firm became Ben Litowich and Son. Prior to that time, Bud served in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. Bud started out managing the company’s small fleet of trucks. He soon became an integral part of the family business as the primary buyer of strawberries on the Benton Harbor Market. Ben Litowich and Son became one of the largest strawberry shippers in Michigan, as well as one of the most respected Four-star and Four-x companies in the nation.

In 1951, Bud’s father Ben Litowich passed away, leaving Bud in charge of operations.

In 1962, Bud began coming to Florida seasonally to operate out of the Pompano Beach State Farmers Market. Gradually the Florida operation expanded and became the company’s main headquarters. Bud remained very active in the company until retiring in the early 90’s. Bud continues to be a wonderfully insightful and inspirational advisor to the company.

Ben Litowich joined the family business in 1975. The third generation of the Litowich family, Ben is today President of Ben Litowich and Son and Ben-Bud Growers, one of the premier fruit and vegetable importers and distributors in the nation.

Ben’s expertise in the sourcing and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables helped fuel a series of major expansions at the company, beginning with seasonal shipments out of Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona. When Ben’s father, Bud, retired in the early 1990's, Ben assumed the leadership of the family business, and continued his expansion efforts. In 1991, the company formed a New York division to specialize in the New York growing season and a corporate division to catering to the large chain-store market. Today, the company handles millions of boxes of fresh produce annually and imports from nearly a dozen nations. 

With more than 30 years experience in the produce industry, Ben remains actively and personally involved in the day-to-day operations of the company.

Andrew “Andy” Wilson is Sales Manager for Ben-Bud Growers. He joined the company in 1992 as a sales representative, and steadily increased his responsibilities and knowledge of the business. Andy was named Sales Manager over the company’s International Division in 2002, and today oversees all international sales activities.

Andy, who holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Florida State University, is largely credited with the company’s continued growth and success.  

Tom Nicholson is Domestic Sales Manager for Ben Litowich and Son. In his position, he is responsible for the sourcing and sales of domestically grown produce. Tom started his career with the company as a quality control specialist in 1990.  He quickly advanced in the companies and today he is a key leader in all operational aspects of the companies.  Additionally, Tom oversees the Ben-Bud Growers New York Division.  This seasonal operation was founded in 1991 and continues to be a very strong and active part of the company.

Tom, who is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, earned his undergraduate degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University.  He currently resides in Boca Raton, FL where he has been a resident for more than twenty years.

Jesse Avery is International Sales Coordinator for Ben-Bud Growers. She joined the company in 2003, with extensive experience in international commerce. In addition to her responsibilities as sales coordinator, Jesse oversees logistical coordination for the company’s Imported Produce division.

A native of South America, Jesse lives in Boca Raton, Florida with her husband and daughter. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Chile.

Charles “CJ” Wren started at Ben-Bud Growers, International Division in the Summer of 2008 as a part of the Sales team.  He and his wife recently relocated from Michigan to become more involved in the produce industry.  CJ started his produce career in the apple sheds of West Michigan and has worked in several capacities over his 7 years in the industry including, packing, transportation, and sales. 

CJ is a Michigan native and is a graduate of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids with a degree in Business Administration. 

Robert Graham is in the Quality Control department of the companies. He oversees some of the most advanced systems in the industry to monitor food safety practices, and ensures safety and quality standards from the fields to the consumer, and every step in between.

A Florida native, Graham joined Ben-Bud Growers in 2005. He brings to the company more than 10 years experience in the produce industry.

Bryan Litowich is in the Quality Control department of the companies. He is the fourth generation of the Litowich family which began its long tradition in the produce industry in 1910. Like all members of the Litowich family, Bryan grew up in the industry, gaining hands-on experience and real-world knowledge at an early age.

Bryan joined he company in 2005, and like his father, Ben, began his formal produce career in quality control.  He continues to inspect and approve shipments before they leave, assuring the excellent quality on which the company has built its outstanding reputation.

Bryan was raised in Coral Springs, and resides in Ocean Ridge, Florida.

Terry Chemtov is Controller for Ben Litowich and Son and Ben-Bud Growers. He joined the company in 2005 from a South Florida-based wholesale plant nursery where he was Controller and head orchid grower.

Terry, a Certified Public Accountant, began his accounting career in Miami with Arthur Anderson, then one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms. His experience includes positions in accounting, management and sales in the insurance and agriculture industries.  Terry earned his Master of Accounting degree from the University of Florida.

Lynda Collier is Domestic Billing Specialist for the companies. She joined Ben Litowich and Son in 1985, and is today the longest term employee outside of the Litowich family.

A native of North Carolina, Lynda has been a resident of South Florida since the late 1960s.

Irene Persico is Accounts Payable Specialist for Ben Litowich and Son and Ben-Bud Growers. She joined the company in 2001, and is today responsible for supplier reconciliation, invoice processing, vendor accounts and vendor inquiries. She has more than 11 years experience in the produce industry.

Irene, who moved to South Florida in 1998 with her husband, is a native of New York.

Maria Zangara is Billing Specialist for Ben-Bud Growers. She joined the company in 2008. In addition to Maria’s international billing experience, she brings to the company experience in distribution and office management.

Maria, a New York native, has lived in South Florida for more than 30 years. She and her husband have two children.