Packer 25 2020 — Skip Consalo
In 1927 William Consalo Sr. started the Consalo family business. Two generations later Skip Consalo was born into it. He has been in the produce business his whole life.
“I feel like the passion for it is in my DNA,” Consalo said. “I began work at the family farm and produce business when I was 14 years old, packing product, loading trucks, and, most importantly, listening to what was going on around me.”
Consalo watched his father, Andy, and his uncles build the family company into one of the most successful and reputable businesses.
In 2002, after the passing of his father and brothers, Consalo left the company. But it wasn’t long before the produce industry pulled him back in.
“Anyone who knows my dad would describe him as a charismatic leader who has a deep-rooted passion for the produce industry." — Chelsea Consalo, Consalo Family Farms
His father taught him the values of family and hard work, which transferred over to Consalo’s new company The Freshwave Fruit and Produce.
“The company was to be based on the principles I was taught by my father and grandfather,” Consalo said. “Family, ethics, quality, leadership, and building long-lasting honorable relationships.”
Today, The Freshwave is a vertically integrated fourth-generation family faming and distribution company with 60 full time employees. Along with being a blueberry and vegetable player in New Jersey, the company has established operations along the East Coast and Mexico.
His proudest accomplishment? Giving his children the same opportunity that was given to him.
“I am proudest of being able to give them a baseline for a successful future to continue the Consalo legacy in the produce business for many years to come.”
His children, Chelsea, Anthony, and Sarah, work for the Consalo farms alongside him.
“Anyone who knows my dad would describe him as a charismatic leader who has a deep-rooted passion for the produce industry,” Chelsea Consalo said.
“First and foremost, do what you love. Work hard and be good to people; success will follow." — Skip Consalo, Consalo Family Farms
“I watched him build our family company from the ground up, remaining committed to his father Andy’s strong values. I am so proud to now be a part of this rapidly growing organization and continue to learn from my dad every day.”
For someone who started so young in the produce industry, Skip Consalo’s advice for those starting out is simple.
“First and foremost, do what you love. Work hard and be good to people; success will follow.”
More from the Packer 25:
Packer 25 2020 — Joe Barsi
Packer 25 2020 — Alisha Albinder Camac
