Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2025 Packer 25, our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. (You can view all honorees here.) This feature has been edited for length and clarity.
Mike Downey — Director of procurement and business development, Military Produce Group
Mike Downey is the strategic mind behind Military Produce Group’s mission to nourish our nation’s service members.
What makes this award meaningful to you at this stage in your career?
Working in the produce industry for so many years with so many great people, from the aisles of a small grocery store to leading produce procurement teams in very large retail corporations, to what I do today, working to provide the military with the freshest produce available, has provided me with an incredible sense of purpose and the satisfaction of serving. It validates the dedication to building relationships and is humbling to think back to where it started.
How do you approach leading teams in a way that inspires innovation and creativity?
I asked my team, and here are some of their responses: “You support everyone and encourage us to grow individually, personally and professionally. You provide the space to manage our commodities and feel like we really own them. I’ve always appreciated that, as I don’t feel like I need to seek permission for every decision, you show support and give confidence in normalizing that it’s OK to fail, while encouraging risk-taking.”
I would add to that, understanding the importance of leading change and challenging the status quo.
What’s a key challenge you’ve turned into an opportunity during your career?
Overcoming my introverted nature and developing communication and interpersonal techniques to become more comfortable with my position both as a leader in my workplace, as well as in the industry.
Fun question: If you had to create your own produce superhero alter ego, what would your name and superpower be?
My name would be Colonel Cabbage. I’d have multiple superpowers:
- Controlling the weather to avoid disasters.
- Ability to instantly bring produce to the perfect harvest stage with his vision.
- Ability to determine future market trends.
- Create zero waste.
- Ensure optimal flavor in every bite.
- Rescue every truck from being late.
