Happy anniversary, Natalie’s!

  I propose a toast to Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company on its 25^th year of producing fresh-squeezed juice made from Florida citrus.  It was in 1989 that Robert “Bobby” Sexton – grandson of Vero Beach pioneer Waldo Sexton – came up with the idea of turning out a gourmet orange juice, freshly squeezed for each order.  His wife Marygrace Sexton joined him in setting the company up in Vero Beach.  They named the juice after their baby daughter Natalie and put a young woman’s picture on the containers. Natalie slept in a car seat in the plant while her Mom went over the books.  Marygrace’s four brothers signed on.  The company expanded into two large buildings on U.S. 1 in downtown Fort Pierce.  Natalie’s became available in stores and restaurants nationwide.  Marygrace is the CEO.  Natalie graduated from Rollins College and is marketing director.  Natalie’s younger sister Lucy is a college student, majoring in environmental studies.  Natalie told me her father Bobby Sexton is not part of day-to-day management but is always consulted on major business decisions.  So please stand and join me in a “Salud!” to Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company.  Be sure your glasses are filled with Natalie’s fresh-squeezed product, of course.  For 88.9 FM, this is Paul Janensch.