2022 Packer 25 — Kay Kurtzweil Greenley

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.

Kay Kurtzweil Greenley, merchandising supervisor at Indianapolis Fruit

Describe your current job role, where it is and why you like it.

Greenley: I work with the Woodman’s Markets accounts. I love the team spirit with Indy Fruit. It is such a positive, upbeat environment. It doesn’t seem much like work. 

How did you get your start in the produce industry?

I started in produce 21 years ago. I was a bagger at Pick ‘n Save and was promoted to cashier. After only two weeks, the produce manager approached me and asked if I would be willing to transfer to produce. I jumped at the chance. The team I worked with had a passion for produce that was hard not to pick up, and I never looked back. I worked my way up to produce manager in six years. I loved the challenge of it, and the feeling of being able to step back and look at a beautiful display or wet rack. That feeling of accomplishment never gets old.  

Tell us about a specific challenge and how you navigated it.

I think the biggest challenge in my career has been overcoming the perception that you cannot be a mother and a career woman. I was even told one time I was passed up for a promotion because they ‘Didn’t want to take my time away from my children.’ It made me even more focused and determined to succeed. I started learning everything I could about produce and different merchandising techniques. I loved looking up pictures of displays anytime I was preparing to do a reset. I joined LinkedIn and Produce Pros. I had fun with my department, and my crew had fun with me. If anything, I feel like motherhood has helped strengthen me in my career. Both positions take multi-tasking, patience, organization, determination, creativity, mentorship and passion.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the connections I have made throughout my career. To see someone’s spark and passion ignite is one of the best feelings. I love seeing people I consider my produce family reaching and surpassing their goals. Almost all of my closest friends are people I have met through my career. I am convinced this industry has some of the most dedicated, hardworking, down-to-earth people. 

What industry organizations, boards or volunteer groups have you joined outside your job role, and why?

Within the produce industry, I have had the pleasure of working with [The Packer’s] Produce Market Guide on a course for its ProduceEDU professional education platform. I have loved participating in the Produce Artist Awards Series. I’ve also enjoyed being able to participate in Ashley Nickle’s ‘The Produce Retail Podcast.’ I love the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience because I enjoy learning from others. I feel like produce from a merchandising standpoint is always changing and should be always changing.  

What are some goals for the future?

My hope for the future is to be able to continue to learn every aspect of the produce industry. I look forward to my role with Indianapolis Fruit, as it offers me more insight on the sales and wholesale point of view, combined with the merchandising aspect I love.

Name your favorite efficiency hack.

My favorite efficiency hack is whenever I fill something within a department, I have to straighten and cull everything around it. It keeps the department as a whole looking good, instead of just the one item you filled and saves the time of having to go through and face or cull separately.

What’s a little-known or fun fact about you?

My hero is my twin sister, Joy. She is an Iraq War veteran and has always been my biggest rock and inspiration. 

READ ALL THE OTHER 2022 PACKER 25 PROFILES HERE.