As a fourth generation tobacco farmer, Mac’s expertise in tobacco begins at its roots. After growing the best tobacco in Southside Virginia, his knowledge and drive led him to also purchase and run a highly successful tobacco warehouse while continuing to expand the tobacco farm. Adding to his depth of experience, Mac then began buying quality tobacco on the tobacco markets in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and North Carolina.

A strong worth ethic instilled in him by his parents has been the driving force in all that he pursues. Mac’s insight into the tobacco industry is second-to-none and while the tobacco industry is constantly evolving, the vision he provides continues to place Golden Leaf Tobacco in the forefront for the future.

Fredrick (Spider) grew up walking the rows of tobacco bales at auction following his father who was a Ticket Marker. The call of the auctioneer and the smell of the cured golden leaves fascinated him. His years in the tobacco industry have taken Spider to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Pennsylvania all the while refining his industry knowledge. During this time, he met and impressed Mac Bailey and thus began his 39 year employment with Golden Leaf Tobacco.

Today, Spider serves as Executive Vice President of Leaf and personally oversees the purchasing and processing of all U.S. Flue Cured, Maryland 609 and Burley Tobacco.

Anne (Kovach) Froke began her career in the tobacco industry in 1993 following a desire to return to Southern Maryland after college and a timely phone call from folks in North Carolina to spearhead efforts in Washington, D.C. on behalf of U.S. farmers. Lobbying domestically for Burley and Dark Leaf Association led to an opportunity to represent U.S. Flue-Cured growers internationally with Tobacco Associates for over a decade. She later represented Continental Tobacco of Hungary and then served as Sales Manager for longtime flavor house Tobacco Technology Inc.

Twenty-nine years later, Anne remains grateful to be a member of our global tobacco family: Committed to creating a home for US leaf abroad. She is proudly working with Mac Bailey and Spider as International Sales Director for the Golden Leaf Tobacco team.