CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 55 B ruce Hammill is not only a farmer, he's a family man. At 27, he's a new father and he serves on the Board of Directors for North Carolina's Cattlemen's Association. Bruce manages McCormick Farms along- side the President, Tom Brooks, who is also his father-in-law. Just out- side Fayetteville, the farm has been family owned and operated for over 200 years. Bruce has been at McCormick Farms for four years. While he was studying mar- keting management at Virginia Tech, he met his wife, Alex, a member of the eighth generation of McCormick Farms. As someone who grew up always outside with his three brothers and working with horses, Bruce enjoyed the agricultural classes he took as electives. When it came time to look for job, he could relate to the personal side of sales, but he was a family man. He didn't want to be gone five days a week. He didn't want to be stuck behind a desk. Waiting on a plane. "I've always been a family person," Bruce said, who now is a father to his one- year-old daughter, Olivia, "and this is the perfect blend. I get to see the sun rise and the sun go down every day and there's a great mix of farm work and business management." While some people may be hesitant to work so closely with their family, espe- cially their in-laws, Bruce enjoys every minute of Tom's guidance. "In working with my father-in-law, I've found that he is an incredible business- man. He's taught me an unbelievable amount since I've been here. I owe a lot to him for the commitment he has made in teaching me and the way he has not only brought me into the family business, but the family as well." And they balance each other. "It's the perfect mixture," he said with a laugh. "e wisdom of his experience and my new energy, my willingness to work the crazy hours that we do." is farm has its plate full. Not only do they oversee a grass-fed beef opera- tion, they grow and sell hay, rake and sell pine straw, harvest timber, and manage property. Bruce's mother-in-law, Lou Brooks, assists with community relations, beef sales and marketing. Alex, who earned a history degree from Virginia Tech and earned a second degree in accounting from Methodist University for bookkeeping at the farm, serves as both office and project manager. "Managing a family business can have its challenges, but it's a great thing to be able to work together as a family and carry on something that has as much history as it does," Bruce said. LIVE ON POST. GOLF FOR FREE! For a limited-time, move into select Company Grade & Field Grade Officer home types and receive one month's rent Free and an MWR golf membership.* Come live and play near two of the Sandhills' finest courses, including a Donald Ross design. Don't wait. Apply today! * For a Limited-Time Only. Offer subject to change without notice based on housing availability. 426 Souter Place Fort Bragg, NC 28307 (910) 495-0878 Bragg.CorviasMilitaryLiving.com NOW WELCOMING Active-Duty, Retired Military, DoD Employees & Guard/Reservists.

• Cover