Carnivals and weight loss: Those aren’t two things you normally put together. Especially since carnivals are synonymous with powdered funnel cakes and fried corn dogs. But Avery Wheelock has a unique connection to both worlds.
Wheelock is a sales representative for Visi, a company that offers health and wellness products. After losing significant weight while using the products, Wheelock decided to start representing the company. Some of its products include vitamins, bovine-sourced collagen protein shakes, energy-boosting chews and appetite suppressors.
“It’s new to market in the state of Florida, so I’m super excited about that,” Wheelock said.
Wheelock only recently entered the business of health products. His background is in carnivals and amusement rides. He is licensed to inspect rides in about a dozen states, as well as internationally.
During ride inspections, Wheelock often has to climb ferris wheels, roller coasters and towers, and move heavy equipment. He said the extra protein boost he gets from Visi products helps him stay in shape for these tasks.
Wheelock traveled to Hong Kong Nov. 22 to Dec. 8, and the trip allowed him to work in both of his career paths.
The main reason he went was to inspect rides at an amusement park there, but he also hoped to expand his business with Visi. The company sells its products in various cities in 19 countries, including Hong Kong. Because most of his work is done through digital communications and social media, he can sell the products wherever a distributor exists.
Though Wheelock often has to travel, he is always content to return home to Plant City and his friends in the community.
“It keeps me quite active with these organizations and things that I volunteer for,” Wheelock said. “I honestly do volunteer for too much stuff sometimes.”
Avery Wheelock grew up in the north, but by following family ties to Plant City, he has been a well-known member of the community since he moved here permanently 14 years ago.
Wheelock’s great-grandfather built the Dogwood Haven Apartments on U.S. 92 in the 1950s.
“It’s been the family business forever,” Wheelock said.
Growing up, Wheelock lived in Syracuse, New York. But, he would come to Plant City for a few weeks each winter to visit his great-grandfather and other family members. He moved to Plant City in 2000, and in 2011, he was finally able to buy the house on the lot adjacent to Dogwood Haven, which he now owns.
“I always wanted to buy it if it came up for sale,” he said.
Besides getting to know Plant City residents as their landlord, Wheelock is involved in a number of community organizations. He is a member of the Lions Club and Toastmasters, and co-chair of membership for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. He also attends First United Methodist Church.
— Catherine Sinclair
