Up Close & Somewhat Personal

I had been with Dow AgroSciences a couple of years. He said, ‘Brian, I’ve become aware of a position that’s come up with the Alabama Farmers Federation, and I think you’d be a good fit for it.’ The position was in the commodity department. It was director of three divisions: pork; greenhouse, nursery and sod; and horticulture. My undergrad was animal science, and my master’s was horticulture. That combination was one of the reasons Dean Alverson thought of me. I really owe him a lot because, had he not made that call, I doubt I would have been aware of the opportunity.

Q: How did you begin your career in lobbying, and what aspects of your role inspire you the most?

BH: I was in a position dealing with sales, and it was a great company. But I knew in my heart of hearts that it really wasn’t my passion. The federation, in any of our roles, is very service-focused for our members. Being able to do things that are in the best interest of our farmers and working for them every day was really exciting. It was an opportunity to work for an organization where I’m not trying to convince somebody to buy a product. Rather, I get to focus on relationships, then use those connections to serve farmers.

Q: What would you say has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

BH: I’ve been blessed with opportunities to hire some really good people in the organization. It’s a challenge and opportunity to hopefully mentor, encourage and help people. To bring somebody into the organization who is going to make an impact and then watch them grow — to be involved in their leadership development — that is the most rewarding.

Coming into the governmental affairs side of things has been rewarding and a challenge that, at the time that I started at the federation, was not on my radar. The opportunities and doors opened up to me, specifically in the governmental affairs, have been a blessing. But the opportunity to open doors and help others in the organization grow is the most rewarding.

Q: You were involved in a lot of organizations at Auburn. What are some of your favorite Auburn memories from your days here?

BH: I loved Ag Ambassadors. We were a group of like-minded students who loved Auburn and the College of Agriculture, wanted to see it succeed and worked together to attract the best students. I think back to when I gave my speech for interviews for Ag Ambassadors and kind of laugh — how nervous I was and how big that moment was, but how exciting it was. I was really, really excited to see my name on that list. I remember the pride I felt to be able to represent the College and being involved with others who had the same goals. As far as my top College of Ag memory, that would be my most important. But I also was in the Auburn University Marching Band, and there are a lot of memories from that experience that I’ll cherish. I’m thankful I had those opportunities. Certainly my involvement with Auburn Christian Student Center (ACSC) was impactful. Even though we didn’t meet there, that was really what brought Kelli and I together. So, I’d really have to mention all three of those — Ag Ambassadors, the Marching Band and the ACSC.

Q: Did you envision ending up where you are now when you graduated from college?

BH: No, not at all. For one thing, I kind of shifted gears my junior year and had gotten interested in horticulture. I finished my animal science undergrad and began using my electives towards horticulture. Then, I went on to grad school in horticulture.

My vision, my dream was to return to my hometown of Moulton and open a retail garden center. You can see the leap I took through some conversations with trusted family, friends and advisers. Actually, one is Jerry Sibley, the father of retired professor Dr. Jeff Sibley. Mr. Sibley had grassland nursery in Muscle Shoals. I worked there one summer after my freshman year at Auburn. They had been longtime family friends. There was a time I can remember — probably during my first year in Florida with Dow AgroSciences — when Mr. Sibley helped me to re-evaluate my future. I still had that pull to go back home, open up a small business, be really engaged in the community and be the place where everybody went. Mr. Sibley in his wisdom saw, with more of the big box stores coming in and Moulton being a very small community, that would be very difficult to sustain. He encouraged me really to make sure I was looking at other things, which was great advice.

It is interesting to look back and see how those doors opened and how I landed at a place I love where I get to do what I love. I would have had no idea, even in my graduate school years, that I would end up in Montgomery lobbying. I feel like a lot of people end up in places that they don’t expect after college. And sometimes, that’s what it’s all about. Part of the adventure is doing things to prepare yourself but knowing careers can change so much. There’s no limit to that.

Q: What does a perfect day in Auburn look like to you?

BH: A perfect day is waking up on a cool fall Saturday morning with anticipation of knowing there’s a big SEC football game on the plains later that night. The excitement of getting ready with your family to pack everything up and get ready and get over there early enough to hang out and just take in the atmosphere downtown and on campus. It’s Tiger Walk and seeing old friends; hearing the band; going to Toomer’s Corner; and getting in the stadium early.

Just the time spent in Auburn. Just the feeling of it. It’s definitely my happy place.