Fred D. Surgeon is a North Carolina entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist whose business interests span healthcare, hospitality, agritourism, environmental services, and residential care. He serves as Founder and President of Surgeon & Associates, Inc., an administrative and management services company that supports a portfolio of independently operated businesses across multiple industries and three states. Under his leadership, these enterprises have collectively created more than 400 jobs throughout the Southeast.
Mr. Surgeon has ownership interests in a number of independently operated businesses, including Surgeon Home Services, LLC (Merry Maids), Visionary Management Group, LLC, Surgeon Farming Enterprises, LLC (Sweet Valley Ranch), Surgeon Pest Control Services, LLC (Mosquito Squad of Fayetteville and Southern Pines), Surgeon Floor Care Services, LLC (Oxi Fresh), Premier Healthcare Services, Inc., Cornerstone Treatment Facility, Inc., and CTFP, Inc. He has served as President since February 2006.
In October 2025, Mr. Surgeon was appointed by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors, where he contributes his financial and entrepreneurial expertise to strengthen the state’s maritime trade and logistics network. He also serves on the Community Action Team (CAT) for the City of Southport as part of the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program, supporting local initiatives focused on coastal resilience and long-term planning. His appointments reflect a distinguished record of leadership and service to economic and community development across North Carolina.
Mr. Surgeon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He serves on the Advisory Board of Lumbee Guaranty Bank and previously served as Chairman of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, helping to advance regional tourism and business initiatives.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Mr. Surgeon demonstrated leadership and innovation from an early age—organizing neighborhood work teams to complete household chores and learning lessons in management, teamwork, and motivation. At 18, he launched his first business using a small inheritance from his great aunt, operating a vending business while attending college. After internships with ALCOA, he began his professional career in sales with the Pepsi-Cola Corporation before joining Ernst & Young as an auditor. These early experiences reinforced his decision to pursue entrepreneurship full time—launching what would become a multi-decade career defined by vision, discipline, and community impact.
His professional background includes senior leadership positions in behavioral health and public administration, including Controller for Carolina Behavioral Services, LLC, State Accounting Manager for NC Mentor, and Chief Finance Officer for Southeastern Regional Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, where he oversaw finance and operations for an agency serving more than 8,000 consumers. He also directed Robeson and Scotland County Public Mental Health Centers, managing service delivery for over 175,000 residents.
In 2016, Mr. Surgeon and his wife, Anita Surgeon, developed Sweet Valley Ranch, a USDA-licensed, 300-acre working farm and agritourism destination in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Sweet Valley Ranch has received statewide and national recognition and has welcomed more than 250,000 visitors to its signature attractions, including Dinosaur World, Backwoods Terror Ranch, and the Festival of Lights. Dinosaur World, in particular, is recognized as one of the largest permanent dinosaur attractions in the Southeast. Home to over 400 animals from five continents, the ranch blends agriculture, education, and recreation, making it one of North Carolina’s most unique agritourism experiences.
Through the ranch’s charitable arm, Sweet Valley Ranch Gives Back—founded by Anita Surgeon—the family has donated more than $300,000 to nonprofits, community organizations, and churches across North Carolina.
Mr. Surgeon’s entrepreneurial ventures also include:
• Papa John’s Pizza Franchisee
• AmeriSpec Home Inspection Services
• M.E.S. Vending
• Fred’s Wash Bucket #1 and #2 (Laundromats)
• Fred’s Lunch Box (Restaurant)
• FAW Enterprises (Real Estate Property Management)
A resident of Cumberland County, Mr. Surgeon and his wife Anita enjoy spending time at their second home in Southport, North Carolina, and remain actively engaged in both business and community initiatives.
Across all his enterprises, Mr. Surgeon remains guided by a philosophy of fulfilling a need, being passionate, and going all in—principles that continue to define his legacy of innovation, opportunity, and community leadership.
Mr. Surgeon has ownership interests in a number of independently operated businesses, including Surgeon Home Services, LLC (Merry Maids), Visionary Management Group, LLC, Surgeon Farming Enterprises, LLC (Sweet Valley Ranch), Surgeon Pest Control Services, LLC (Mosquito Squad of Fayetteville and Southern Pines), Surgeon Floor Care Services, LLC (Oxi Fresh), Premier Healthcare Services, Inc., Cornerstone Treatment Facility, Inc., and CTFP, Inc. He has served as President since February 2006.
In October 2025, Mr. Surgeon was appointed by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors, where he contributes his financial and entrepreneurial expertise to strengthen the state’s maritime trade and logistics network. He also serves on the Community Action Team (CAT) for the City of Southport as part of the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program, supporting local initiatives focused on coastal resilience and long-term planning. His appointments reflect a distinguished record of leadership and service to economic and community development across North Carolina.
Mr. Surgeon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He serves on the Advisory Board of Lumbee Guaranty Bank and previously served as Chairman of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, helping to advance regional tourism and business initiatives.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Mr. Surgeon demonstrated leadership and innovation from an early age—organizing neighborhood work teams to complete household chores and learning lessons in management, teamwork, and motivation. At 18, he launched his first business using a small inheritance from his great aunt, operating a vending business while attending college. After internships with ALCOA, he began his professional career in sales with the Pepsi-Cola Corporation before joining Ernst & Young as an auditor. These early experiences reinforced his decision to pursue entrepreneurship full time—launching what would become a multi-decade career defined by vision, discipline, and community impact.
His professional background includes senior leadership positions in behavioral health and public administration, including Controller for Carolina Behavioral Services, LLC, State Accounting Manager for NC Mentor, and Chief Finance Officer for Southeastern Regional Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, where he oversaw finance and operations for an agency serving more than 8,000 consumers. He also directed Robeson and Scotland County Public Mental Health Centers, managing service delivery for over 175,000 residents.
In 2016, Mr. Surgeon and his wife, Anita Surgeon, developed Sweet Valley Ranch, a USDA-licensed, 300-acre working farm and agritourism destination in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Sweet Valley Ranch has received statewide and national recognition and has welcomed more than 250,000 visitors to its signature attractions, including Dinosaur World, Backwoods Terror Ranch, and the Festival of Lights. Dinosaur World, in particular, is recognized as one of the largest permanent dinosaur attractions in the Southeast. Home to over 400 animals from five continents, the ranch blends agriculture, education, and recreation, making it one of North Carolina’s most unique agritourism experiences.
Through the ranch’s charitable arm, Sweet Valley Ranch Gives Back—founded by Anita Surgeon—the family has donated more than $300,000 to nonprofits, community organizations, and churches across North Carolina.
Mr. Surgeon’s entrepreneurial ventures also include:
• Papa John’s Pizza Franchisee
• AmeriSpec Home Inspection Services
• M.E.S. Vending
• Fred’s Wash Bucket #1 and #2 (Laundromats)
• Fred’s Lunch Box (Restaurant)
• FAW Enterprises (Real Estate Property Management)
A resident of Cumberland County, Mr. Surgeon and his wife Anita enjoy spending time at their second home in Southport, North Carolina, and remain actively engaged in both business and community initiatives.
Across all his enterprises, Mr. Surgeon remains guided by a philosophy of fulfilling a need, being passionate, and going all in—principles that continue to define his legacy of innovation, opportunity, and community leadership.
Our own Frederick Surgeon is a true leader and innovator, making a lasting impact in his community and beyond, with his diverse ventures, public service, and dedication to making a difference!
