In 1965, C.M. “Buddy” Leger, formed Melonsales Inc., and began shipping watermelons throughout Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Missouri. After years of hard work, dedication and advocacy, Buddy sold the business to his son, Greg Leger. In 2001, the company renamed and established itself as Leger & Son, Inc.
In 2008, Leger & Son received the Produce Marketing Association Impact Award for being the first fresh produce grower-shipper to incorporate HarvestMark’s unit traceability system into their watermelon program. The innovative and bold move forward put Leger on the map.
In 2013, a fully enclosed packing facility with automated weighing and sizing equipment was built for enhanced quality and efficiency.
In 2020, Greg’s children, Bailey and Cole, joined the family business full-time establishing a three-generation company. Continuing a legacy built on passion and commitment.
Written by John Groh
While growth is the goal for virtually any business owner, Buddy Leger put more emphasis on lifting the watermelon and pecan industries as a whole during his long career as a grower and marketer of both items in his beloved home state of Georgia.
said Greg Leger, president of the Cordele, GA-based Leger & Son Inc. and the son of company founder Buddy Leger, an icon in the watermelon and pecan industries, who died Feb. 28 at the age of 93.
Charles M. Leger, known as “Buddy” to family, friends and produce industry colleagues, was well recognized for his strong convictions and knowledge or agriculture. He worked in the agriculture industry for over 75 years, harvesting and marketing pecans and watermelons.
An accomplished manager, Mr. Leger had a proven ability to lead in a positive manner while implementing strategies and developing new ideas. “Being able to work with my dad day in and day out was truly a blessing,” said Greg Leger. “He taught me everything I know about the business, and I watched closely as he worked so hard for the betterment of the industry. It was never about personal gain, although that eventually followed. For me to be raised by that kind of man was so important. They don’t make them like that any more.”
