Right at home on the farm or job site

he had a paying job, doing “anything I was told from running a tractor to running irrigation to equipment maintenance and repair ”

He worked on various farms over the years, most notably MHC Farms in Indianola and Inverness and Barr Farms in Mound City

After graduating from Delta State University with a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Aviation Management, Whitfield spent a little over a year in Airport Operations at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

That wasn’t for him

It’s a good fit, GM of Construction Operations Jeff Peterman said

“Jay has been a fantastic addition to the team,” said Peterman, who hired Whitfield as a Foreman in Commercial Construction in 2020 “He came to us a ‘little green’ in the landscape department, but his work ethic and skill set quickly showed through.”

Whitfield said he was promoted “a year and change ago” to Install Supervisor, and he’ll celebrate his third anniversary with the company on Aug 10

By ginny shikle communications specialist

When he started working at Michael Hatcher & Associates nearly three years ago, Jay Whitfield had no prior experience in the landscape industry What he did have was a wealth of knowledge gained from his farming roots in the rich soil of the South Mississippi Delta Surprisingly, he’s found that the two worlds have more in common than he initially thought

“It doesn’t directly translate, but growing up on a farm helped,” he said “When you grade dirt, it has to drain When you plant, it needs water ”

From the fields of Sunflower and Issaquena counties, where he worked on farms that grew row crops including corn, cotton, rice, beans, and wheat, Whitfield learned a way of life as well as how to make a living

“It’s as down to earth as you can get, growing food for people, and all it takes is dirt and hard work,” he said “Down home it’s just the lifestyle

Everyone is either a farmer, farmhand, or works for any number of companies that are all directly in business with the farms ”

At 12 years old, Whitfield helped out his maternal grandfather, whom he affectionally calls “Pepaw.” Then at 15

“He has been up to every opportunity put before him and has the potential to have a very productive career in this industry,” Peterman added “I have been impressed with his ability to

“I enjoy working with my hands, having grown up farming, and always wanted to join a trade,” he said “That led me to a job here, which is where my landscaping career began ” Continued on Page 6

Continued from Page 5 keep a calm demeanor in difficult situations, and I love his willingness to own responsibilities He truly makes my job easier.”

In his current role, Whitfield’s duties include confirming the crews have the materials and equipment they need, ensuring they’re lined out on what work needs to be completed, and verifying timesheets and receipts

Sometimes he steps in to run equipment or fill in for a crew leader

“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever known and he isn’t scared to get in there and get dirty,”

Assistant Operations Manager Cam

Poindexter said about his teammate “It doesn’t matter how busy he is, he will find time to help you out when you need it ”

Whitfield is just leading by example

“You can’t lead from the truck, as they say,” he said “You have to be willing to get in there with the guys, even in hard times ”

Whitfield said his immediate professional goal is to become hyper efficient in his current position To that end, he’s obtained his OSHA 30

MEET THE TEAM: JAY WHITFIELD

certification and is currently enrolled in the Landscape Management Certificate Program through the National Association of Landscape Professionals

“There’s always room to improve,” he said, adding that his long-term aspirations are to “gain a low-level management position, eventually retire early, and run a small farm ”

He and his wife, Jamie, already own and operate JW2 Farms from their home in Hickory Flat, where they share 5 and ½ acres with their three dogs, Bear, Tootsie, and Biggie, and grow peppers of all kinds, tomatoes, peas, okra, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, cucumbers, and squash. Every Saturday since May they’ve been selling their homegrown produce at the Hernando Farmers Market, and they’ve also ventured into pickles and pepper sauce

Whitfield’s other business, JW Custom Calls, keeps him busy on weekends as well

“I’m a little notorious for always working when I’m not at work,” said Whitfield, who creates everything from dart boards and bottle stoppers to tables and turkey calls “I always have a project of some sort going on, whether it be around the house, a woodworking project, or something on the farm.”

Whether it’s the produce he grows, the hand-crafted items he makes, or the jobs he’s a part of at Michael Hatcher & Associates, they all share a common mindset

“We have a pride in our work and the ability to do what needs to be done,” Whitfield said “We have a great group of people, and we support each other well Aside from that, our quality of work sets us apart ”

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