John Wheeler

The retired Embry Riddle University professor and chaplain established Hickory Nut Christmas Tree farm in 1987.  During the Choose and Cut days he secures the trees to vehicles by tying knots that Houdini himself could not escape.

Kay Wheeler

Kay, wife of John Wheeler, is the matriarch of the clan. She is very musically gifted and utilizes her talents at church.  The delicious hot cider and cookies you enjoy as you look for the most beautiful tree on our farm are a direct result of Kay’s skill in the kitchen.

Greg Adams

Greg is our Farm Manager.  As a recently retired police sergeant, he now has more time to make sure the Christmas trees looked their best.  Give Greg a chainsaw and he is one the happiest guys around.

Melodie Adams

Melodie, wife of Greg, is the middle daughter of John and Kay.  She is an artist and art teacher. During Choose and Cut, you will find her in the barn. She takes care of you once you’ve chosen a tree.

John Becker

By day he designs business jets with the Honda Aircraft Company in Greensboro, NC. During Christmas season, John wields a chainsaw with dexterity and will help you select the most beautiful Christmas tree you’ve ever seen.

Skye Becker

Skye, married to John Becker, is the first born of John and Kay. She is the cookie- maker’s able assistant and assures that the goodies reach the barn in a timely manner.  Skye and John have two children, Brian and Sharon.

Hollie Wheeler

Hollie, the youngest daughter of John and Kay, is a long-time flight attendant with American Airlines.  Hollie knows the importance of a good laugh – as the appointed greeter wearing a colorful jester hat, Hollie cheerfully welcomes you to the farm.

Bill Phillips

Bill, John and Kay’s nephew, works in real estate and property management in Richmond, VA. For relaxation, he comes to our farm to haul Christmas trees in the snow, load them onto your car, and wish you a Merry Christmas.

Julie Phillips

Julie, Bill’s wife, is a part-time physical therapist and full-time mother. At the tree farm she is assists whenever needs arise, bringing holiday spirit wherever she goes.  Bill and Julie have one son, Will.

Brian Becker

Brian, John and Skye’s son is a Ph.D. student majoring in Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University. When he is not trying to take over the world with killer robots, he moonlights as a farm hand on the Hickory Nut Christmas Tree farm.

Sharon Billups

Sharon, daughter of John and Skye, is working on her Masters in Hospitality Management at UCF.  She diligently works hard to ensure the website and logos properly reflect our business philosophy.

Soren Ervik

Soren is the son of Hollie.  Soren helps his uncles cut, drag, bale and load your Christmas tree.  He has been working on his upper body strength and is looking  forward  to this Christmas season.  He says he’s been working on his “guns”, whatever that means.

Will Phillips

A cute-as-pie two-year old, Will is our latest farm hand in training. Right now his duties include: smiling, waving, and laughing. (Chainsaw training comes later.)