In the 1950’s and 60’s, when a car pulled into a service station, they were greeted by an attendee who would pump their gas, wash their wind shield, change their oil, wash their car, and perform any other maintenance duties needed. These full service gas stations were the normal way of life back then. John L Shadd began his career managing a Shell Station in Lake Butler, Florida in 1957. He worked 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, and was recognized for his reliable and diligent work ethic.
Today, John Shadd is well known in Lake Butler as the founder of John L Shadd Trucking Inc. His business is very well established in the flatbed truck industry. John L Shadd Trucking Inc was established in 1980, and is still family owned and operated. The company has over 35 years of experience as a safe and reliable hauling business. “I started hauling a few log trucks first, and dump trucks,” Shadd said. “I had my own trucks years before the company was officially established.”
An Interesting and Full Life
Mr. Shadd is 82 years old, and he has lived an interesting life, full of many stories to tell. “The Lord has greatly blessed me,” Shadd said. In his early life, Mr. Shadd grew up in Sanderson, Florida where he lived in a small house with no windows. He lived with his parents, 4 brothers, his sister, and grandmother. His daddy didn’t have a job but made some money by growing tobacco and moonshining.
When he was 18 years old he married Hazel Brannen. Soon after, in Decemeber 1954, they had their first daughter, and Mr. Shadd was drafted into the U.S. Army all in the same month. He served for two years in the 101st Airborne Division. “The Lord has blessed me in so many ways throughout my life.” Shadd said. “I took typing in school, and in the Army I was the only person who knew how to type, so they made me a company clerk.” When he returned, he started managing the Shell Station in Lake Butler, and later purchased it. Then, he gradually acquired a logging operation, and later began a flatbed trailer hauling business.
Shadd Farms
Years later, Mr. Shadd went on a hunting trip in Texas. He saw the biggest deer he had ever seen in his lifetime. This inspired him to start a deer hunting and breeding business, and began Shadd Farms which is continuing today. The business started out as a hobby, buying stock in breeder bucks and using artificial insemination to breed does. Over the years, Shadd Farms has evolved to now offer deer, turkey, and exotic hunting trips. Along with a newly established 3D archery range and gun range. Mr. Shadd also built a beautiful lodge that will continue his legacy for many years.
God’s Blessings
His success over the years in many endeavors he contributes to God’s blessings on his life, close family who supported him, and exceptional business partners. “I have always took some risk after thinking for a while.” Shadd said. “Never one to stand still and quiet, I just went ahead.”
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do prospers.” Pslams 1:1-3