Ode to the produce manager

Joe Watson was a produce manager at Rouses Markets in the 1980s.
Joe Watson was a produce manager at Rouses Markets in the 1980s.
(Photo: Courtesy of Joe Watson)

They rise early, just like a farmer or baker does, to begin the day. It’s a day that they planned the day before, and they will plan the next day, today. The clock is against them, but they don't flinch at the task at hand. They scurry to prepare for their guests, which assuredly will arrive soon and with needs that must be met. They look upon their masterpiece before it can be dismantled and are happy in their work.

They wish they had more time, but it’s not to be.

The sounds of guests arriving bring excitement, anticipation and even some concern. What if something was missed? Certainly not, but this weighs on their mind. They obsess over it, but there is no time to stop. That’s because, now, an incoming delivery requires their full attention, and, oh, how they hope it’s all there. They wipe their brow with satisfaction; they can breathe again. Now,  they shift to preparing their team, guiding and explaining — not once, but several times. And still they wonder, were they understood?

The day progresses, and the need for replenishment is a sign of acceptance of their earlier work, and the team obliges. Now, they begin their next work of art: It has to make a statement, an impact that appeals to the senses. Their vision is clear, and the result must be equal to their vision. They cut, fold, stack and layes every individual piece to fit like a puzzle. It’s never forced, always placed. No matter what guests might do to this artwork later, it must be perfect now.

The day is getting long. It’s time to look forward to the next day, so planning is already underway. There’s no break until the plan in complete, no rest until they are completely satisfied with how tomorrow must look. They are not willing to accept that tomorrow will be just OK. There must be absolute surety every consideration has been calculated, and the execution will be flawless.

As they prepare to end their day, they look back on it and instinctively know it could have been better. Not that it wasn't great, but the burden never ends, the desire is unforgiving, relentless, like the ocean tides. But they must now go, to rest their mind and body for the next day, a day which will bring more unknowns once again. They relish in it and are childlike in their excitement to tackle the next day.   pmg

— Joe Watson spent 30-plus years as the director of produce for Rouses Markets and was named PMG's Produce Retailer of the Year in 2014. Watson now serves as vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale for the  International Fresh Produce Association.

 

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