2022 Packer 25 — Will Rehrig
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.
Will Rehrig, president, Rehrig Pacific Company, Vernon, Calif.
What do you do in your current role?
Rehrig: As president of Rehrig Pacific Company, my focus for the past few years has been in continuing to create a culture of inclusion leadership and belonging within Rehrig Pacific. We have a strong culture rooted in our values of family, service, innovation, ‘intrapreneurship’ and growth.
During the pandemic we adjusted to meet the changing times and have seen an increase in job satisfaction across the organization as recognized by our ‘Great Place to Work’ results. I enjoy traveling often to meet with our family members across the organization and ensuring all of them know they belong here.
How did you get your start in the produce industry?
One of our first products was a wooden dairy crate developed in the 1910s. This evolved over time to plastic returnable crates for several industries including produce, dairy and bakery. Understanding the demands of the perishables business is a part of our foundation. It also comes from our commitment to partnering with our customers to find innovative solutions to their challenges. This has led us to provide many incredible products and services to a wide range of industries. We often use insights we gain from one industry to support solutions in another.
What’s something that has surprised you about the produce industry?
Probably it’s that the produce industry is facing challenges similar to other industries we support. Legislation regarding organic waste and plastics are just as relevant [in the produce industry] as they are in the waste and recycling industry. Building connections between these industries is an opportunity to find shared solutions to a common problem.
We have noticed that more of our produce partners are looking for sustainable solutions that can help ensure the safe delivery of their products while also providing reduction in fuel and carbon emissions. Ultimately, we offer solutions that eliminate waste and increase efficiencies for our customers, helping them meet their sustainability goals.
What are you most passionate about right now in your role or the industry?
People are my passion. Promoting the positive and unique culture of Rehrig Pacific is the central part of my role. It is my philosophy that if you are focusing on the people and the process, the desired results will follow. From an industry perspective, utilizing smart engineering to design for sustainability is always on our minds. The four pillars of our organization are to help provide a sustainable solution to our partners. As a plastic injection molding company, we play a big part in helping industries create circular economies. We are always looking at new recycled materials that we can use to achieve even greater sustainability results.
