Mission and Vision Statement

Core Values and culture

Our core values reflect our commitment to empowering farmers and fostering a sustainable agricultural community. These values guide our actions, shape our organizational culture, and influence our interactions with stakeholders including farmers, customers, and partners.

Vision

 

To be a leading hub of innovation and support in the agricultural community, empowering local farmers to cultivate high-value crops through education, innovative agricultural techniques, and accessible processing facilities. We envision a sustainable future where local farmers thrive, crops are nurtured with care, and communities are enriched through the consumption of local produce.

 

Mission

 

Our mission is to bridge the knowledge gap for farmers by providing hands-on training, resources, and support for successful produce cultivation. We aim to enhance the agricultural landscape by fostering local economic growth, establishing a reliable supply chain for products, and promoting sustainable farming practices. By integrating education, production, and market access, we endeavor to empower farmers from planting to profit, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more resilient food system.

Core Values and Culture
  • Empowerment
    We believe in equipping farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. Our emphasis on education and training ensures that local growers are empowered to make informed decisions that enhance their productivity and profitability.
  • Collaboration
    We foster a collaborative atmosphere where knowledge sharing and community building are paramount. By working closely with local farmers and agricultural experts, we create partnerships that inspire innovation and bolster agricultural practices.
  • Sustainability
    We are committed to environmental stewardship, we use Controlled Environment Agricultural systems and sustainable practices to minimize our ecological footprint while maximizing crop yields.
  • Integerty
    Transparency and honesty are fundamental aspects of our operations. We value open communication with our farmers and customers, ensuring that our practices not only meet but exceed industry standards.
  • Innovation
    By embracing cutting-edge agricultural technologies and techniques, we continually seek to improve our operations and the success of our partners. We remain agile in adapting to the dynamic agricultural landscape to keep in step with market trends.

The Team

David Martin

David L. Martin has a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA; and a Law degree (Juris Doctorate) from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark, Newark, NJ. He has over 10 years of experience in business operations and with educating and training farmers, and over 10 years’ experience in producing Value-added product production. In the workshop series, value-added production, business formation, insurance requirements, and succession planning. He is responsible for selecting “subject matter” experts for the workshop sessions.

Frances Martin

Frances L. Martin has a Bachelor’s degree from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA; and a Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) and a Master’s in Project Management from the Keller University, Atlanta, GA., she is a certified paralegal in estates and trust from Widener University, Pa and has a Georgia Real Estate Sales License (inactive). Frances’ experience includes over 10 years as Executive Director of Project Interconnections, a non-profit organization that builds apartment buildings to house people with mental health disabilities. She has collaborated with Architects, Engineers, and Contractors to build and renovate over 285 units at 4 locations in and around Atlanta, GA. She has served in Research and Sponsored Programs (grants administration) at Fort Valley State University, and as Director of the department for Clark Atlanta University (retired in July 2024).

April Collins

Picture of April Collins

April Collins is the Project Director of Widget DTC. The art of agriculture was introduced to her by her father when she was very young, and she walked barefoot right alongside him, learning to plant, pick, and store goods for her family. April spent six years in the Air Force and later managed the online store for the nonprofit Comfort Farms, where she gained hands-on experience with inventory management, customer relations, and fulfillment. She now uses her skills in her own business, Busy B’s Administrative Services, where she provides essential administrative and operational support to businesses and nonprofits, helping them streamline tasks and increase productivity. Her presentation focuses on e-commerce, covering platform selection, inventory management, effective marketing strategies, and customer service essentials.

Courtney Lamar

Courtney Lamar is the Technical Manager for Widget Development & Trading Company and its nonprofit counterpart, Widget Business Training Company. She coordinates tool and supply purchases for farmers and manages logistics for the Widget Team’s hotel travel. Additionally, she captures photos at workshops, produces farm tour videos, and creates instructional demonstrations on setting up aeroponic and hydroponic systems.

With over a decade of experience in film, music, and project design, Courtney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with special honors in Drama from Jacksonville State University (2013). She has worked as a house lighting designer for AEG, Live Nation, and independent venues across Georgia, spending eight years at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA. In 2021, she launched Sparky Lights, LLC, touring globally as a Lighting Designer for various artist. Courtney’s diverse expertise in technology, logistics, and artistry strengthens the Widget Team’s mission to support and promote farmers.

Robert ‘Bob’ Martin

Robert E. (Bob) Martin brings a wealth of experience and a diverse educational background to his role at Widget Business Training Company. Bob holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Rutgers University, a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Hampton University.
With a passion for education and helping others succeed, Bob has been serving as a Workshop Presenter and Secretary at Widget Business Training Company for the past four years. His work focuses on critical topics such as Heir Property and Succession Planning and Business Formations, where he leverages his extensive professional background to provide valuable insights and guidance to individuals and businesses.

History

In 2005 Frances L. Martin and David L. Martin, purchased Home Style Foods, a manufacturer of premium sausage products. Home Style products were sold in Kroger, Publix, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Ingles, and Winn Dixie. In 2011, The Widget Development & Trading Company, LLC was created, because food entrepreneurs wanted to know how they were getting their products into these stores, and they needed help getting their products into food outlets.

In 2012, Frances and David formed Gotcha Goat, LLC, which sold fresh and frozen goat meat that was born and raised in the United States. In 2016, The Martins transferred their interest in Home Style Foods, and Gotcha Goat, LLC and

later formed The Widget Business Training Company, a 501(C)3 organization to concentrate on providing education and training to farmers and helping them create value-added products.

The Widget Organization has obtained funding through grants to continue the education and training programs for the farmers. The Widget Development & Trading Company, LLC, The Widget Business Training Company 501C (3), has written, submitted and participated in the implementation of grants for College Institutions, and Non-profit Organizations to USDA agencies: including, Farm Service Agency (FSA); Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS); Office of Partnership and Public Engagement (OPPE-formerly 2501). To date Widget has managed over 10 million in Federal Funding and has an excellent record of maintaining compliance with the programs and fiduciary requirements of each award.