The Uncle Matt's Team

Left to right: Benny McLean, Susan McLean, Ben McLean III, Alex Howell and Matt McLean

Matt McLean, CEO
Matt McLean is a pioneer, agricultural activist and entrepreneur in the organic industry. Currently on the national Board of Directors for the Organic Trade Association (OTA), he helps shape the policies and standards for the organic industry. He is also the Chair for OTA's Community Relations Committee.

His passion for farming and his steadfast commitment to the organic life led Matt to create Uncle Matt’s Organic, Inc. in 1999, one of the fastest growing organic juice and fresh fruit brands in the U.S. Prior to that, Matt managed his own juice brokerage business that exported juice to Europe and the Middle East.

A seventh generation Floridian, Matt’s citrus roots date back four generations to his great grandfather who farmed without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Today, Matt, also known as “Uncle Matt”, manages over 1,000 acres of organic citrus along with his father and other family members. Fully integrated from farming to manufacturing to marketing, he also serves as a consultant for farmers wishing to convert to organics.

In Matt's spare time, he enjoys football, basketball, triathlons, skiing and tennis. He lives in Clermont, FL with his wife.

Benny McLean II, Production Manager
Ben "Benny" McLean is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Agriculture, and has over 40 years of experience growing citrus on over 30,000 acres in Florida, Central America and Caribbean countries. Benny is in charge of Uncle Matt's organic farm plan, and oversees all aspects relating to growing citrus.

In his spare time, Benny loves spending time with his 10 grandchildren, and working in his backyard grove.

Ben McLean III, Vice President
Ben has a Master's Degree in Fruit Crops from the University of Florida and heads our Research & Development Department for organic products.

Ben enjoys competing in triathlons, swimming, reading and conducting research for organic farming. He lives in Clermont with his wife and their four girls.

Alex Howell, Chief Financial Officer
Alex is Uncle Matt's Organic's Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for the company's full financial function. Specifically, Alex participates in the development of financial and management reporting tools and enhancement of financial and operational controls throughout Uncle Matt's. Alex is also Uncle Matt's primary real estate acquisition lead.

Alex currently lives in Winter Garden with his wife and their six children. He enjoys biking, waterskiing, boating and flying.

Dave Gurney, Manager of Operations
Dave has over 40 years of experience in grove care, harvesting and packinghouse operations. Formerly a partner with Benny McLean in the 70s, Dave is responsible for overseeing the harvesting, packing and shipment of Uncle Matt's Organic citrus.

Dave is married and lives with his wife in Fruitland Park. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his grandchildren and riding the groves.

Susan R. McLean, HR Director
Susan is married to Benny and they have lived on their grove in Clermont, Florida for over 35 years. She is the Human Resource Director and the Office Manager. She has a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Florida. Susan had an extensive career in the field of nursing and has been a political activist for health issues. She is an active community volunteer, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the South Lake Memorial Hospital. Susan and Matt started the company, Uncle Matt’s Organic, Inc. in 1999 with one computer, a phone line and a lot of enthusiasm. Her hobbies include spending time with her 10 grandchildren and attending University of Florida Gator athletic events.

Patty Gurney, Accountant
Patti is the Accountant for Uncle Matt’s Fresh. Her responsibilities include maintaining records for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, invoicing, purchasing, grove care and budgeting.

Patti settled in Clermont 14 years ago after her husband, Dan, retired from the USAF in which Patti also served 10 years. That is were she received her accounting experience and her son is now on his second tour with the USAF.

Patti enjoys reading, skiing, working in her rose garden and spending time with her two children, three step-children, three grandchildren and her dog Sandy and cat Cooper.

Mary Ellen Pollock, Juice Division Team Member

Mary Ellen assists in running the Uncle Matt’s Organic juice company by processing orders, invoicing and maintaining inventory as well as maintaining all financial records.

Mary Ellen attended Western Michigan University and Indiana University. Her prior work experience includes teaching and coaching at the college level, working at a hospital-based wellness center as an exercise physiologist, lifestyle education manager, and community projects manager. She has additional experience as an assistant buyer for the golf shop at a major golf resort in Central Florida.

Mary Ellen enjoys playing golf, being of service at her church teaching adults and children, reading, taking care of her husband, Ed, and two cats, Shadow and Bogey.

Sue Dietz, Fruit Division Team Member