In 1965, C.M. “Buddy” Leger, treasurer, began shipping watermelons throughout Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Missouri. His dream was to produce the highest quality watermelons in the southeast. In the early 1980s, he and other industry leaders saw a need for watermelon research and promotion. They founded the National Watermelon Promotion Board. After years of hard work and dedication, Buddy handed the business over to his son, Greg Leger. In 2001, Melonsales Inc. renamed itself Leger & Son, Inc.
Greg, President and Owner, grew up picking and packing watermelons. Under his dad’s direction, he learned the business from the ground up. His years of diligence, effort, and care has led Leger & Son to become one of the leading growers and shippers in the southeast. Greg’s passion and dedication are rooted in all aspects of the company. A philosophy built on going above and beyond the call of duty.
In 2008, Leger & Son received the PMA Impact Award for being the first fresh produce shipper to incorporate HarvestMark’s unit traceability system into their watermelon program. The innovative move forward put Leger on the map.
Leger and Son stays committed to continually improving and updating packing facilities and equipment for maximum efficiency. Over the past few years, fully enclosed packing facilities with automated weighing and sizing equipment have been built to help manage quality.
Founder of Leger & Son
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.”
120 Seedling Drive
Cordele, GA 31015
