bio
Steve Maxwell remembers working on his grandfather’s farm during his teenage summers in Cairo, Georgia. It was there that he witnessed the value of hard work and the uniqueness of the American farmer. His grandfather worked from daylight until dark, growing okra, tobacco, peanuts, watermelon, corn and soybeans.
He also remembers the smells and sounds of grading produce for market and going to the tobacco auction, and being mesmerized by the call of the auctioneers. The farm life was alive, and full of risk and reward and hard work. It was the very essence of the American Dream.
Steve began his career in produce in 1991 after serving in the U.S. Navy as an Air Traffic Controller. His produce career culminated with Ben Hill Griffin Inc. where he served as Vice-President of the Fresh Fruit Division. In 2003, Steve left BHG Inc. to chase his dream and joined Highland Corporation with the intention of buying the previous owner out. In 2005 that dream came true when Steve and life-long friend and business partner, John Durham purchased Highland.
“We had a simple idea…to build a packaging company focused on the needs of the farmer”. This simple statement has become the battle cry for the Highland Team. Every decision made at Highland is made after answering one question…is it the right thing to do for our customer, the farmer?”
Today, Highland has emerged as one of the premier Agricultural packaging companies in the United States. “We are honored to have such wonderful customers and we cherish the opportunity to prove our value to them.”
Steve has an intense personality. His drive and desire to succeed sometimes makes it hard for him to wind down. When he does, he enjoys spending time at the ranch in South Texas where he can experience God’s beauty in wildlife and nature. There’s nothing like a good glass of Merlot, walks on the beach, exploring new places, family vacations, the flavor of good tobacco, time with friends, The Eagles and other classic rock music, boiled peanuts, boat rides, flats fishing, sitting by a fire with his wife, Beverly,working out, homemade apple pie and a real challenge.
Steve and his highschool sweetheart Beverly have three children. Steve serves as a leader in his church, President of the Frostproof Quarterback Club and serves on the Board of Directors for Warner University. While all of this may be résumé-worthy, it doesn’t describe the actual person. Steve is a “big picture kind of guy,” so on days when the details get to be too much, you will find him spending time with his family at Highland or out in the field with his customers whom he considers friends.
currently reading
favorite quote
“He doesn't know the meaning of the word fear, but then again he doesn't know the meaning of most words”-Bobby Bowden
Our Vision
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To build a world class packaging company by doing the right thing all of the time.
Treat our customers right by offering quality products, delivered on time at a fair price.
To go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to service.
Treat our teammates (employees) right by offering competitive pay, quality benefits, opportunities for advancement and a fun, safe work environment.
Treat our vendors right by paying within terms, demanding no more than we demand of ourselves and building relationships that stand the test of time.
Treat our environment right by making good use of our resources, leave a minimal environmental impact footprint and to maximize the use of recycled materials.
Treat our community right by sharing with it the success of Highland to support community efforts in the areas of faith, education and helping those less fortunate.
By doing the right thing all of the time with all who come in contact with Highland Corporation we will reach our full potential and leave the earth and the human race better than we found it.
