When the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber conducts its annual Business Recognition Awards this Friday morning at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, among the awards will be the Pat Moody Award. It’s named after Moody on The Market founder and publisher Pat Moody and recognizes ‘Moody-like devotion’ to business success and community service here in Southwest Michigan.
At MoodyOnTheMarket.com and Mid-West Family, we’re honored to be a part of the Chamber’s annual recognition event. And especially to honor a Community and Business Leader in the tradition and example set by Pat Moody in 53 years of service to Michigan’s Great Southwest.
The nominees for the Pat Moody Award are richly deserving. Their accomplishments are summarized here:
BURT PEARSON
Owner, Pearson Construction Company
Burt is the third-generation President of Pearson Construction Company Inc., a thriving family-owned business operating in Benton Harbor since 1918. From sweeping the floors at an elementary school age, to running construction projects in the field, and to overseeing all business operations, Burt took part in every element of the family business dedicated to serving Southwest Michigan. Over the years, Burt has had the privilege of being involved with iconic local businesses and construction of major local landmarks. Additionally, Burt actively contributed to the community through his involvement with the Boys & Girls Club, St Joseph Public Schools Board of education, Peace Lutheran Church Committee, various local municipal boards, and as President of the Associated General Contractors of America, Michigan Chapter. Burt keeps the clients’ best interest in mind while maintaining an economical approach to both design and building and continues to preserve the main principles his grandfather instilled in the company: people, performance, professionalism, progressive, passion, perseverance, and partnership.
Pearson Construction Company, Inc., headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, began providing construction services in 1918 and since that time has evolved into a full-service general contracting design-build, and construction management firm. Pearson self performs with in-house skilled trade professionals that assist in maintaining quality on every project and schedule. Long noted for its impeccable safety rating and leadership in commercial, industrial, and institutional construction, Pearson continues to broaden its professional services to meet the industry needs of today and tomorrow.
Pearson – WE BUILD for southwest Michigan.
ANNE REITZ
Owner, Caffe Tosi
The nomination of Anne Reitz is a reminder to each of us that before you can be anything to others, you must first be confident in your beliefs and actions knowing that you’re making the right choice. That suits Anne to a “T”.
When she decided to dramatically remodel her renowned Caffe Tosi against popular advice, she was confident that it was the right thing to do. She was proven correct and now boasts that it was a critical necessity with the proof showing up on the bottom line with sales skyrocketing despite creating the makeover during a global pandemic during which restaurants were failing all across the landscape.
Anne’s career path as an entrepreneur has been recognized dating back to an early age when she valued her abilities and put her desires to make money to work as an elementary student and has continued to do so throughout her entire career, holding many leadership and managerial positions along her path to success.
She launches every project from the ground level up and builds her solid foundation with a plan that leaves no room for error.
She has become legendary across the region for her leadership and innovative thinking which garnered her spot on the inaugural class of Moody on The Market Bold Woman of Business.
ROGER SEELY
Owner, Roger’s Foodland
Roger Seely was born in St. Joseph, Michigan and started working for National Foods when he was 16 years old. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, he joined the Air Force, and in 1968 he was sent to Vietnam and served there until 1969. After returning home, he returned to National Foods and continued working there until the company was bought out.
Roger decided he wanted to run his own business, so that is what he did. He purchased a party store in Millburg, Michigan, and after selling the business he purchased Zick’s in St. Joseph and opened Roger’s Foodland in 1981. Throughout the years three other Roger’s Foodland locations were opened throughout Southwest Michigan, and subsequently sold.
Roger helped raise money for the Vietnam Memorial located on the bluff with the VietNow Group. He is also a founding member of the local Trophy Toms National Wild Turkey Federation and served as their first local president.
Roger began serving on various community boards such as the St. Joseph Charter Township Zoning Board of Appeals and Parks Boards, Red Cross Board, American Cancer Society Board and the Michigan Grocers Board. He was appointed a St. Joseph Charter Township Trustee in 1999 and served as a trustee until he ran for Supervisor in 2008 and is still currently serving in this position.
Roger wanted to continue to expand Roger’s Foodland but that was not possible in the old location, so a new store was constructed and opened in Royalton Township in 2006.
Roger enjoys rooting for the Detroit sports teams, serving his community, and spending time with his family, and would like to thank the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber for this nomination.
JIM “JIMBO” SHELTON
Partner, Patriarch, Peddler, Sheltons Farm Market
Jim Shelton, affectionately known as “Jimbo,” is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and a positive attitude. Born in 1931 near Reform, Alabama, Jimbo’s early years on a humble 200-acre farm shaped his work ethic and “whatever it takes” philosophy.
Growing up without electricity or plumbing, Jimbo learned the value of hard work and resourcefulness. Eventually, he joined his father, the late Ethan Shelton, on the new 40-acre family far (“weed patch”) in Berrien Center.
A self-made man, Jimbo’s education went beyond formal schooling. He joined the Paratroopers, stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. It was there that he met his late wife, “Miss Betty”, and later returned to the family farm, expanding it to nearly 300 acres.
Jimbo’s commitment to the farm and his vision for a retail market led to the establishment of Shelton’s Fruit Stop in 1959. Despite skepticism from others the fruit stop thrived, eventually becoming Shelton’s Farm Market, and cementing itself as a staple in the community for over 65 years. Jimbo’s dedication to providing the freshest quality produce and exceptional customer service continues to set Shelton Farms apart.
Jimbo’s work ethic an ability to make work enjoyable influenced his family, with his children and grandchildren actively involved in Shelton Farms. Notably, four generations are involved in the business today, including Jimbo’s brother (Joe), sons (Mike and Jon), grandson (Nick), granddaughter (Emery), and countless nieces and nephews.
Today, the family business spans three divisions: the farm in Berrien Center, the retail market in Niles, and the food service division distributing to institutions in Southwestern Lower Michigan and Northern Indiana. With nearly 100 employees, many of whom feel like family, Shelton’s has become a multi-generational enterprise.
Now, at the age of 93, Jimbo continues to work seven days a week, overseeing many of the farm market’s operations. His “All In” attitude extends beyond work to his love for watching local sports, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with family. Jimbo’s impact on the community, both tangible and intangible, is immeasurable, as he has provided jobs and inspiration to countless individuals. As a nominee for The Pat Moody award, Jimbo Shelton’s legacy is not just about fruit peddling, but about resilience community support, and instilling a passion for hard work in generations to come.
