Ted always had a strong desire to be a veterinarian, but knew that finances were going to be a challenge. Always industrious and possessing a very strong work ethic, he worked full-time at night in a vegetable packing house during the school year, and in the summer worked an additional full-time day job in construction to help earn the money needed to attend college. He succeeded. In 1976 (after graduating from Broward Community College) Ted and Carolyn moved to Gainesville, Florida in order to finish his Bachelors Degree in Agriculture at the University of Florida. He was accepted into the Veterinary College at UF, where he continued to work as much as possible getting real-life experience in his field, while Carolyn worked as a Court Stenographer.

After being married 11 years and becoming established in their respective careers, Ted and Carolyn decided it was time to start their family, the result being three children over the next five years. Katie, now 25, is on active duty with the Coast Guard. Lauren, 23 and Tyler, 21 are both students at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Ted has practiced veterinary medicine, both large and small animal, in the North Florida area for over 28 years. Carolyn owned a court-reporting agency while still working as an active court reporter in North Central Florida for over 20 years.

After the couple built their home themselves from the ground up they began remodeling homes as a rewarding hobby, which they then sold. They oftentimes included their children in these endeavors in an effort to foster their entrepreneurial spirit and encourage a work ethic, leading by example. The projects they started were always completed successfully, on-time and within set budget constraints – something difficult for our government to do itself.

Ted is active in the community by donating his knowledge through services to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Students, 4-H Club Members, as well as monetary donations and sponsorships given to numerous schools, clubs and