The 2022 Packer 25 is our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. Each year, The Packer invites the produce industry to nominate distinguished veterans, leaders and rising stars of the fresh produce industry. As always, our editorial team was energized and awed by the talented pool of nominees this year. Now in its 18th year, The Packer is once again spotlighting 25 dynamic and inspiring people who are moving the produce industry forward.
The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Deep Silver, senior marketing director, Boskovich Farms, Oxnard, Calif.
What excites you most about a career in the fresh produce industry, in general, and your role as senior marketing director of Boskovich Farms, specifically?
Silver: Honestly what I love is that no two days are the same. The produce industry, as you know, is ever changing and volatile and gives me the opportunity to problem solve, which I kind of love. At Boskovich I’ve been fortunate to be given a very awesome opportunity to create and develop and drive the retail brands for the business. When I joined at the end of 2020, the future was still very uncertain. But the Boskovich team took a chance on my acumen to drive the marketing for them and create new brands.
I was given the reigns to drive the strategy, build two unique brands and the products and commercialize. Who gets to have such an amazing opportunity, and in the midst of a pandemic? It’s really been a dream opportunity for me to channel my entrepreneurial drive that fuels me at the end of the day. I am proud to say that in my 20 months with the company, we have successfully been able to commercialize two new retail brands — Green Fork and Fair Earth Farms — into the value-added packaged salads segment. The opportunity to launch these two brands into a category that encourages people to eat healthier and better is truly my dream job. I often pinch myself.
When you look back on your career many years from now, what influence do you hope to have had on the fresh produce industry?
I hope that the work that I am doing at Boskovich leaves a lasting impression on the produce industry by showing consumers that fresh produce and vegetables do not have to be boring. I want to make an impact on the younger generation by introducing fun, exciting, healthier meal solutions early, which is why we developed our retail line Green Fork. We wanted to capture this audience early in their purchasing habits to build brand loyalty as well as introduce a convenient and better way of eating that they can work into their lifestyle for years to come.
What’s the best piece of career advice you ever received?
As cliche as this might be, throughout my career I have been told that if I am doing what I love, it won’t feel like work. I took that advice to heart, and I was able to find myself in a role that truly does not feel like work. I actually enjoy getting to my computer in the morning and find myself thinking about work when I probably shouldn’t be, but when you love your job, it’s hard not to. I feel like I’ve really hit the jackpot on this one.
Beyonce, Ringo Starr, Greta Garbo, M. Night Shyamalan — celebrities have rocked some very cool names over the years, but none anywhere near as cool as Deep Silver. Is there a story behind your name?
Haha ... I mean as a marketer, I have to develop my own brand too, right? When I introduce myself to people, it’s either a look of what, no way, that can’t really be your name, and they refuse to believe it, or it’s wow, that is such a cool name.
My first name actually originates from India and I just so happened to get lucky to marry a man with the last name Silver. It was clearly a no-brainer that I had to take his last name for the shock value. It was serendipitous and it worked because no one forgets my name. I’ve clearly built my own brand equity.
The world has been through a great deal in the last several years. What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
From a business standpoint, I am looking forward to my two new retail lines, Green Fork and Fair Earth Farms, gaining more awareness with customers and consumers and becoming household names.
From a personal standpoint, I am looking forward to reconnecting with more people that I haven’t seen in some time due to the pandemic and also traveling. Seeing new places and cultures feeds my soul and I just love the fresh perspectives it provides. If anything, the last few years taught us that each new day is truly a gift. My goal is to embrace that wholeheartedly and live it fully with a full heart and smile going into 2023.
