A. Duda and Sons

Andrew Duda, Sr. immigrated from Slovakia to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1909, later settling in Slavia, a community southwest of Oviedo, to try his hand at farming. Initially successful growing Irish potatoes, the market value of the crop failed to cover shipping costs and the Duda family struggled financially to survive. Soon after they returned to Cleveland, where Duda and his sons worked in a factory to support the family. By 1926, the Duda family had saved enough money to return to Slavia. This time, their crops prospered and they formed A. Duda and Sons. The family owned company remains in existence today and is an international brand with locations across the globe.