The Springboro Tree Farms Team
What's life without good friends?
We like to joke about how this isn't a one-man operation anymore...and actually, it's not been for quite some time. Thankfully we have a lot of good friends and family who make all this possible. As you might imagine the physical side of the work on the farm is significant on it's own and we need help for sure...but frankly, all that we do around here is just more fun with friends.
We hope you enjoy a quick introduction to some of the folks who help out around the farm.
Meet the Team
Rich Hines
Rich is the chief 'idea guy" and architect behind everything you'll see here at the farm. Boundless energy along with a drive to really understand how this all works - combined with his refusal to grow up - is the driving force behind what we do. As seen in the picture here, Rich stays on top of everything that goes on at the farm.
Joe Velovitch
Joe will never admit this but he's the brains - and the brawn - behind a lot of what we do here. Both Joe and Rich have a lot of knowledge about why and how all this works. A serious scientist by training and career, Joe is like a "pig in mud" at the farm...always learning...always having a good time. Oh, and on top of all that, Joe has some serious chain saw skills.
Sam Hines
Sam brings a new dimension of syrup and honey production expertise to the farm. A mechanical engineering technology professional by trade (and by nature) Sam has become our go-to guy when processes need improvement, equipment needs repair or service…or when we just need to get work done more efficiently. He’s also a pretty good with a chain saw and swings a firm but gentile tree tapping hammer.
Jim Hines
Jim is the little brother...the one "mom liked best". He'll tell you right up front that his work at the farm makes life fun these days. Having spent much of his career on an airplane bound for some far off place in the world, you'll most often find Jim at the pond with a fishing pole...and a good cigar. Re: the picture here, why do the younger brothers get all the nasty jobs around the farm?
Ron Muir
Ron adds a ton of experience and wisdom to what we do here. When we get stuck on something...or something won't work...Ron is our go-to guy for experience and practical solutions to thorny problems. He's also the best fisherman among us but don't tell him we said so. As seen in the picture here, Ron also serves as Chief Fish Cleaner at the farm.
Steve Dunnuck
Steve is a good friend of the farm who's always around to help with maple syrup season...especially cutting and splitting firewood. In addition to tapping trees at the start of the season, when called to do so, Steve also shows up with his trailer and the "mother of all grills" to do pancakes at our open house events. Steve is at his best here...keeping the wood fired evaporator running strong.
Jean Hines
Jean is involved in many aspects of what goes on at the farm...helping with the honey harvest, exploring new product possibilities and participation in open houses, farm tours and special events. In addition, she's one heck of a cook. Her waffles during the maple syrup open house events are to die for. How busy is Jean with her work around the farm? Well she's as busy as...well, as busy as a bee.
