Great American Media Services CEO recognized at 2015 Great Lakes EXPO

Matt McCallum, owner and CEO of Great American Media Services was honored at the 2015 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO for his dedication to the agriculture industry.

McCallum was recognized by Michigan State Horticultural Society with its Distinguished Service Award and by the Michigan Vegetable Council with its Master Farmer Associate Award.

“It was a great honor to receive these awards from the industries I grew up in,” McCallum said. “Our mission with our publications is to engage, educate and inspire growers every day. You make it easy to love our jobs!”

He grew up on a family farm in St. Clare County, Michigan. McCallum’s Orchard grew fruits, vegetables and operated a farm market. At age 12, McCallum began working at the market and learning the value of hard work.

McCallum purchased Great American Media Services in 1993. The company currently employees 42 professionals in seven state and produces 14 national trade magazines. Great American first specialized in print, but has since expanded to include digital media and social networking.

“My staff does all the heavy lifting to put our publications out on time,” he said. “I need to thank the MSU Research and Extension folks who really help support us through writing columns, being expert sources for our stories and providing excellent field days and education programs where we get many of our story ideas.”

“The growers have always been gracious enough to have us on their farms and let us do interviews and take photographs,” McCallum said. “ Without the growers there is no industry — without their dedication to the boards they serve on and the ideas they bring to make the industry better — this industry would never survive.”

Matt and his wife Julie have been married for 25 years and are parents to four children, three girls and a boy. They currently live in Sparta, Michigan on 64 acres. The family grows pumpkins, gourds and fresh-cut flowers.

In his free time, McCallum coaches the Sparta High School varsity girls’ basketball team. He’s seen success on the court and in business.

Visit fruitgrowersnews.com to watch a video interview with McCallum.