Michael Hill: Scaling the Blueberry Empire

​​Join our champion program: [email protected] a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Michael Hill, CEO of H&A Farms, a vertically integrated operation in Florida that has transformed the blueberry supply chain. Starting as a fourth-generation farmer with a single employee, Michael now leads the business responsible for packing 40% of Florida’s blueberry crop while running thriving agritourism and processing divisions.Michael opens up about the pressures of scaling, surviving pandemic-era uncertainty, finding—and keeping—the right people, and the mindset it takes to grow, diversify, and lead through chaos. His story is a lesson in intentionality, delegation, resilience, and never forgetting the value of your name.Key Takeaways:1. Leadership Starts With Your Word: Intentional leaders don’t just tell others what to do—they hold themselves accountable first. Michael reminds us that the most dangerous promises to break are the ones we make to ourselves.2. Delegation Is a Skill — Not a Surrender: From running everything himself in year one to scaling to over 2,000 seasonal workers, Michael learned the hard way that growth depends on your ability to trust others, define responsibility, and let go of control.3. Crisis Reveals Character: During COVID, 98% of Michael’s sales evaporated overnight. Instead of shutting down and causing market collapse, he held the line, protected his growers, and managed an unprecedented backlog until demand returned.4. Culture Evolves — But It Must Be Protected: Michael’s business outgrew its early “everyone does everything” startup DNA. To evolve, he had to install structures, set standards, and protect culture by removing mediocre players who couldn’t or wouldn’t keep up.5. Seasonal Ag Labor Is Not for the Faint of Heart: Managing hundreds of local workers and 1,800 H2A harvesters in a seven-week window requires systems, communication, and acceptance that during peak season, work takes over life. Not everyone is built for that kind of leadership—and that’s okay.Notable Quotes:“You die with one thing in this world — your name.” – Michael Hill“If I believe I can bet on myself, is it really a risk?” – Michael Hill“Winners want to be around other winners. The mediocre don’t.” – Michael Hill“You can’t just delegate — you have to put the right people in the right seats.” – Michael Hill“Still being here? That’s the win.” – Michael HillAction Steps:Create your own Delegate-to-Elevate grid and get honest about what needs to go.Assess your team: Who’s a fit for the mission? Who’s just along for the ride?Consider crisis planning: What would you do if 98% of demand stopped overnight?Make one visible choice this week that protects your integrity and leadership reputation.Listen If You Are:Building or scaling an agribusiness from scratchStruggling to delegate or develop leaders around youCurious about blueberries, packing, and agritourism at scaleLeading teams with seasonal or H2A laborLooking for real-world stories of grit, growth, and intentional leadership