Franklin County native Tom Maxey grew up on cornbread, but it took the end of his first career to turn him into a miller of heirloom and ancient grains, especially
Tom Maxey mills small batches of organic, heirloom and ancient grains for sale at New River Valley farmer s markets and to restaurants and distillers. Tonia Moxley/The Roanoke Times
CHECK â Franklin County native Tom Maxey grew up on cornbread, but it took the end of his first career to turn him into a miller of heirloom and ancient grains, especially corn.
âMaize is a wonderful plant,â Maxey said. âItâs like a gift to us from the gods.â
And itâs been a gift to Maxey, giving him a second act after his first long career in sales for an Alabama-based metals company came to a sudden end. His service center was sold, and soon Maxey said it was clear he no longer shared the values of his employer.