Our People
Glenn LaCross
PresidentGlenn LaCross has been President of Leelanau Fruit Company since 1994. He began growing cherries in 1972 with a passion to add value to his cherry crop. In the past 30 years, Glenn has transformed LFC from a limited processor of sweet and tart cherries and strawberries into a year-round supplier of a diverse array of products and fruit ingredients.
Glenn spearheaded the expansion of our Buckley, MI, processing facility after the buildings were destroyed by fire in 2008. Our rebuilt, state of the art processing operation now gives us the ability to meet customer’s expectations on a variety of different projects.
Glenn and his wife Judy have been leaders of the cherry industry. In 2004 they were named “Industry Couple of the Year,” a prestigious honor awarded by the National Cherry Festival. Glenn and Judy have served on countless community and industry boards.
Allen Steimel
General ManagerAllen Steimel grew up working on the fruit farms of Leelanau County, picking cherries for his father and uncle. Al earned an accounting degree from Ferris State University, but knew he wanted to stay involved in local agriculture.
He began his career at Leelanau Fruit Company in 1984 as controller. In 1991, Al was promoted to General Manager, with a focus on the financial health of the company and the sale of its products. Al has provided a steady influence in the success of the company for over 30 years.
Al’s love of farming continues today, as he operates the farm that has been in his family for generations. His farm experience compliments his career at LFC and he takes pride in working with its growers to produce the finest products in the industry.
Renee Spalding
Operations ManagerRenee was born and raised in Leelanau County. She began working at LFC for her cousin, Glenn LaCross while still in high school. After studying at Central Michigan University, she returned to LFC in 2004.
Renee has facilitated the growth of LFC in the past decade by coordinating the sales of glacé and maraschino products, and assisting with frozen and other fruit sales. She is responsible for the quality and food safety programs at both Buckley and Suttons Bay processing facilities.
Renee enjoys working closely with our employees and growers to ensure LFC produces high quality fruit products.
Ben LaCross
Manager of Farming OperationsBen has literally grown up in the cherry business as the son of Glenn and Judy LaCross. After earning a business degree from Central Michigan University, Ben returned home to manage LaCross Farms.
Ben has been recognized as a leader of young farmers in the state of Michigan and nationwide. In 2012 and in 2016, Ben was recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” most influential business leaders in the Northern Michigan area.
Glenn LaCross
PresidentGlenn LaCross has been President of Leelanau Fruit Company since 1994. He began growing cherries in 1972 with a passion to add value to his cherry crop. In the past 30 years, Glenn has transformed LFC from a limited processor of sweet and tart cherries and strawberries into a year-round supplier of a diverse array of products and fruit ingredients.
Glenn spearheaded the expansion of our Buckley, MI, processing facility after the buildings were destroyed by fire in 2008. Our rebuilt, state of the art processing operation now gives us the ability to meet customer’s expectations on a variety of different projects.
Glenn and his wife Judy have been leaders of the cherry industry. In 2004 they were named “Industry Couple of the Year,” a prestigious honor awarded by the National Cherry Festival. Glenn and Judy have served on countless community and industry boards.
Allen Steimel
General ManagerAllen Steimel grew up working on the fruit farms of Leelanau County, picking cherries for his father and uncle. Al earned an accounting degree from Ferris State University, but knew he wanted to stay involved in local agriculture.
He began his career at Leelanau Fruit Company in 1984 as controller. In 1991, Al was promoted to General Manager, with a focus on the financial health of the company and the sale of its products. Al has provided a steady influence in the success of the company for over 30 years.
Al’s love of farming continues today, as he operates the farm that has been in his family for generations. His farm experience compliments his career at LFC and he takes pride in working with its growers to produce the finest products in the industry.
Renee Spalding
Operations ManagerRenee was born and raised in Leelanau County. She began working at LFC for her cousin, Glenn LaCross while still in high school. After studying at Central Michigan University, she returned to LFC in 2004.
Renee has facilitated the growth of LFC in the past decade by coordinating the sales of glacé and maraschino products, and assisting with frozen and other fruit sales. She is responsible for the quality and food safety programs at both Buckley and Suttons Bay processing facilities.
Renee enjoys working closely with our employees and growers to ensure LFC produces high quality fruit products.
Ben LaCross
Manager of Farming OperationsBen has literally grown up in the cherry business as the son of Glenn and Judy LaCross. After earning a business degree from Central Michigan University, Ben returned home to manage LaCross Farms.
Ben has been recognized as a leader of young farmers in the state of Michigan and nationwide. In 2012 and in 2016, Ben was recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” most influential business leaders in the Northern Michigan area.