The Packer 25 2021: Mike Roberts
How did you get your start in the produce industry?
I started in 1988 as a part-time clerk to get through college.
What roles have you held during you career?
I’ve held positions at Harps, Phillips Food Stores (Food 4 Less) and Wal-Mart. I’ve been clerk, assistant produce manager, produce merchandiser, produce category manager and, now, director of produce operations at Harps.
How would you describe your current role?
I oversee operations of our produce departments: staffing, pricing, promotions, ads, innovation, store equipment—you name it, if it has to do with produce, I’m involved. Produce management is my favorite part of all that. The goal I hit each year is visiting every store at least once. Talking with produce managers on their own turf gets them out of their shells, and I get to hear real problems and real frustrations that I can do something about. Giving produce managers the tools, resources and guidance to do the best job is what gets me hopping out of bed every morning.
What do you hope to accomplish/contribute through that role?
I hope to educate our amazing produce managers, merchandisers, buyers and category managers to keep Harps a leader in the industry in innovation and merchandising. I also spend time thinking about food waste and food insecurity as well as how to get kids started in life on a heathy diet.
What industry groups are you involved with?
I’m currently secretary on the Southeast Produce Council’s executive board, and I co-chair the STEP-UPP (Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals) program there. I’ve served on the PMA (Produce Marketing Association) Fresh Summit and Retail Task Force committees. Locally, I’m on the board of the Antioch for Youth and Family food bank in Fort Smith, Ark. I support Produce for Kids Club, Double Up Food Bucks, as well as Apple Seeds, a local organization that teaches kids about fruits and vegetables.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being promoted to my current job at Harps. It’s a great honor and comes with great responsibility every day. I was also proud to be named to the Southeast Produce Council’s executive board and getting the Loudest Cheerleader award from the Healthy Family Project, which organizes the Produce for Kids Club, back in 2018.
I’ve also had the privilege to form relationships over the years with so many people we do business with, who become friends more than colleagues. My wife always says the only thing I collect is people, and my collection gets bigger every year.
What does leadership mean to you?
Creating more leaders. Getting people to reach goals and grow in their careers and personal lives.
Who are some of your industry mentors?
Kim Eskew, Harps’ president and CEO, is a mentor and definitely played a big role in my career. He gave me the job of produce merchandiser back in 2001 and promoted me to director of produce operations in 2017. Dennis Baker, Harps’ previous director of produce operations, taught me things I didn’t even know I needed to know.
What’s a little-known or fun fact about you?
I might be the best air hockey player in the four-state area.
What’s your favorite efficiency hack?
Work smarter and harder.
If you had to pick one fruit or vegetable to eat every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I really hope my physician doesn’t see this, but it would have to be potatoes. You can mash them, bake them, fry them and grill them. It’s like the other fruits and vegetables aren’t even trying!
