Known to many as the Honey Man, Broward farmers market co-founder and entrepreneur Gary Kareff has died after an illness. He was 75.

“He was a natural-born salesman who loved what he did,” said his wife, Jill. 

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Gary met Jill Tannenhaus the summer of 1967 at an amusement park in Crystal Beach, Ontario. After they married, the couple relocated to South Florida in 1982 to open a digital hearing aid business.  Gary started a spice market stand at the farmers market, but soon turned to honey, said Jill. 

“He bought from the Florida Farm Bureau and traveled around the state looking for local honey,” she said. SMAKattack, named for their children Spencer, Marty and Allison, grew into a full-scale honey business in farmers markets throughout South Florida. Gary also co-founded Community Farmers Markets of South Florida, which include markets in Plantation, Tamarac, Lauderdale By-the-Sea and Imperial Point. 

Gary was a true entrepreneur, Jill said. “He really liked assisting new vendors to reach their potential. Somebody mentored him, so he was happy to do the same.” He received the Small Business of the Year Award by the city of Tamarac for the weekly market. 

Gary’s memorial service was held on a Monday so that farmers market vendors could pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree or donate to AWARE, Association for Wild Animal Rehabilitation and Education in Niagara County, New York at awarewildlife.com