In 1966, her father invested in a Michigan cherry farm. 60 years later, she unknowingly bought the company. The 257-acre land now has 20,000 cherry and apple trees

Imagine buying a company only to realise that your father had invested money in the same business, decades ago. This is what happened when Leisa Eckerle Hankins from Leelanau County, Michigan bought a cherry store named Benjamin Twiggs in 2020, completely unaware that almost 6 decades ago in 1966, her father had invested in the same company. Now, Leisa, the owner of over 20,000 cherry, apple and other fruit trees, is celebrating the store’s 60th anniversary.

Michigan woman on cherry farming

According to Benjamin Twiggs’ official website, Leisa was searching for ways to reinvest her resources and time when she found the opportunity to buy the cherry company and the rest is history. Leisa, however, always grew up around cherry farms as a kid.

The Michigan woman, in a conversation with People magazine, shared, ‘I was born and raised on the farm and picking cherries’. She added that her great-grandfather was the head of cherry farming in the family. As a kid, Leisa used to pick cherries, manage a receiving station and helped in harvesting.

Michigan woman’s booming cherry business

Now, Leisa's whole family works for the cherry business. Her father, 84 and her son, 27, work on the farm. Meanwhile, Leisa’s daughter works with her on the store and Leisa’s mother packs the items. The family is the proud owner of 257 acres of land, with more than 6 farms.

Apart from that, the farm has over 20,000 trees with cherries, peaches, and apples spread across the lush green land, as per the website. Some of the delicious items sold on the store include cherry sodas, jams, and spreads including cherry-based presents, towels, tumblers and coasters. As per Leisa, she wants to help farmers and support them through cherry farming for the farmers to lead a more sustainable life.