2022 Packer 25 — Marliese Myers
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.
Marliese Myers, former marketing director, Lakeside Organic Gardens, Watsonville, Calif.
At the time of the interview below, Myers was marketing director at Lakeside Organic Gardens. She has since taken a role as customer marketing director at Farm Journal, crops division.
What has been the most inspiring moment in your produce industry career?
Myers: I have been lucky to work with some great people in my career and learned from some of the masters like Frieda Caplan and Dick Peixoto. While working at Frieda’s Specialty Produce, there were a few months I would carpool with Frieda. These months were incredibly special because Frieda shared some heartfelt stories with me about how she started out in a male dominated produce industry and made her way to the top. Working with Dick is an inspiration to my produce career. He has so many motivating and influential stories and his passion and knowledge for organic farming is contagious.
What drew you to the produce industry and tell us what you are passionate about it?
Honestly, I think it all started with my mom’s cooking. Being European she cooked a lot with fennel, leeks, shallots, bok choy, cauliflower and so much more. In my career, I got the bug for produce while working at Frieda’s Specialty Produce and learned all there is about the variety of exotic and organic produce. I am passionate about the produce industry because I value healthy food and care deeply about where my food comes from.
What is the best advice you were ever given?
I had a mentor when I started working in advertising and he would often tell me, ‘keep an open mind.’ In marketing and farming, each day is a different day with different challenges and being flexible and able to adapt is key.
If you had to brand your own mission statement, what would that look like?
To be a team player and leader to my team, live a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle and make environmentally friendly decisions. To thrive in my journey through life, keep an open mind and be helpful and kind to others.
If you could only eat one produce item your entire life, what would that be and why?
I’m a huge fan and consumer of all organic vegetables. If I must choose one, it’s leeks. I absolutely love them because they are versatile and remind of my upbringing.
