Pete Charlerie '09, a graduate of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, is owner and operator of SunSplash Farm in Prince George's County
Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg
The College of Agriculture & Natural Resources recently caught up with Pete Charlerie, a 2009 graduate from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC). In 2011, Charlerie started SunSpash Farm LLC where he grows vegetables and cut flowers on five acres in Upper Marlboro, Md. He sells his products at several farmers markets in Prince George's County.
What is your current job title and description? I am President (Owner/Operator). I am responsible for human resources, production, marketing and sales.
How did your education at UMD prepare you for your current role? Getting insight to the field of Agricultural Economics and business courses provided by UMD enabled me to enter the business world with a high level of proficiency in skills that lenders/investors were looking for in a start-up company. That expertise is utilized on a daily basis to fulfil my daily responsibilities, while running an agribusiness.
What is your favorite memory at University of Maryland? I enjoyed the time spent in between studying into the late night with classmates from all over the world; most of whom I am still in contact with.
Any advice for current College of AGNR students? Use the time that you have at UMD for networking with fellow students and professors; ask the latter for advice about your future plans with respect to education and entrepreneurship. Use them as consultants, when the opportunity presents itself.
Hear Charlerie share his story below:
