Packer 25 2021 — Irving Fain
How did you get your start in the produce industry?
I was fortunate that my mother taught me the importance of eating high-quality and nutritious foods, and an appreciation for locally grown ingredients. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve always believed that technology and human ingenuity could solve hard and important problems … After I sold my last company, CrowdTwist, I knew I wanted to apply technology to a category that had a deeper mission and meaning, and that’s what ultimately drew me to agriculture and specifically produce.
What roles have you held during your career?
Before founding Bowery, I was the co-founder and CEO of CrowdTwist, a venture-backed loyalty marketing SaaS business … I was part of a small team at Clear Channel (now iHeartRadio) focused on moving the largest radio group in the world into the digital age. My career began by helping early-stage companies raise capital as an investment banker at Citigroup.
What do you hope to accomplish/contribute through that role?
Success for us means building a simpler, safer and much more sustainable supply chain and a local fresh food system that can meet the urgency of this moment.
What industry groups are you involved with?
I’m a founding member of the Controlled Environmental Agriculture Food Safety Coalition ... I also sit on the Leadership Council of Tech: NYC. I’ve also forged long-term partnerships between Bowery and a half dozen nonprofits, from the Maryland Food Bank to Table to Table and DC Central Kitchen’s Healthy Corners program, that are dedicated to fighting (for) food justice and to help make sure that all Americans can access nourishing food.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the team we’ve built and in our culture that attracts talent that puts their blood, sweat, and tears every single day into building something truly unique.
I remember going for a run at the peak of the California wildfires this year and thinking, “Wow, the intensity of what’s happening right now is overwhelming at times. And there is no singular solution to these problems, but to be a part of the solution even on the hardest days keeps me going.”
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me means recognizing where you’re strongest and honestly identifying the areas where you are not as strong. Where do your skills overlap with what matters most? And in the areas that don’t overlap, then it’s your job to go find people who can cover those areas better than you ever could.
Who are some of your industry mentors?
Early on, I was introduced to Sally Robling as an investor and advisor. She’s built and run food businesses for much of her career … She was not only willing to challenge the status quo with us, but also to help us do that with the back pocket understanding of why that incumbent way of doing things existed. I’ve also benefited immensely from our advisors James McCann and Tony Fernandez, industry vets whose experience and knowledge have proven invaluable.
What's a little-known or fun fact about you?
I took a year off from working to travel and surf around the world.
What's your favorite efficiency hack?
I make the time to either surf, run, box, swim, or participate in some other type of physical exercise almost every morning. It’s the most effective way I’ve found to stay mentally sharp and give myself some space from the intensity of our day-to-day life.
If you had to pick one fruit or vegetable to eat every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love passion fruit and would happily eat that every day!
