Packer 25
Frank Yiannas brings passion and results to the topic of food safety.
In his 21 years at the United Fresh Produce Association, John Toner has long played a central role in bringing the produce industry together for the United Fresh Expo.
With 30 years invested in the agriculture industry, Richard Owen has come to appreciate the global reach and opportunities of the fresh produce industry.
The classic combination of strawberries and cream seems to work for Wyard Stomp, since he has a track record for building demand for both components.
COVID-19 has been no match for Bruce Summers or the agency he serves as administrator: the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
Don Roper has come a long way from his first job as produce clerk at Copps IGA in Antigo, Wis.
“When you believe in the products you deliver to consumers, it’s that much more rewarding when you achieve success,” said Chris Willett of Wenatchee, Wash.-based T&G Global.
Xavier Equihua has always taken a multi-tactic creative approach to marketing.
The fresh produce industry has been a new challenge for Potandon Produce’s Carter Bray, but it’s been one that he has welcomed.
Nick Dulcich got his start working on the family farm in McFarland, Calif. He still works there, but his job description and his perspective on the produce industry have evolved over the years.
When Landec Corp. acquired Guadalupe, Calif.-based Apio Inc. 20 years ago, Apio needed someone with experience in reverse mergers to help with the process.
If you’re familiar with Aidan Mouat and someone asks you who is the smartest person you know who is affiliated with the produce industry, he’s probably the one who comes to mind.
Raina Nelson wanted to become a doctor until she found a shortcut that enabled her to accomplish her goal of saving lives without spending years in medical school.
Ironically, Dick Peixoto, who owns Lakeside Organic Gardens, spent part of his childhood dragging spray hoses through apple orchards with his father, who worked for a fertilizer and pest control company.
At 38, Viraj Puri is aware he is a young, first-time CEO of an agriculture business type that the global, commercial-scale world of fresh produce has only begun to take seriously the past several years.
Twenty-two years ago, Bryant Ambelang was presented with an opportunity to create a business plan for a small tomato company in San Antonio.
Helping companies measure and expand their sustainability efforts is the career hyper-focus of Nikki Rodoni, founder and CEO of Measure to Improve LLC.
In the words of one industry ally, Mark Klompien is a true professional and the consummate industry insider.
Randy Riley started his career with fruits and vegetables as a produce clerk in a Kroger store.
Growing up in the Queens borough New York City, Andrew Marshall was little aware of the workings of the produce industry, such as the nearby sprawling Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx.
For Brian Miller, there was never any choice: He had to go into the produce business.
Growing up in apple country, Dan Davis found the tree fruit industry early in life — or perhaps the industry found him.
Marion Tabard was inspired to learn all she could about people at a young age, which has driven her passion for bettering the lives of others.
When Amanda Keefer started working odd jobs at age 12, she likely never envisioned working in the produce industry.
When Tom Brugato was about 9 years old, he and his dad would stop off at Pacific Coast Fruit Co. in Portland, Ore., to pick up a supply of produce for the Thriftmart grocery store his father managed.
Elizabeth Nardi brings an enthusiasm for organic agriculture and for people to her role as CEO of Eugene, Ore.-based Organically Grown Co.
John Chamberlain has spent well over a decade creating connections that have raised the profile of lemons and raised the profile of Limoneira Co.
Kathryn Grandy knew she would be part of something big when she signed on three years ago as the director of marketing for Yakima, Wash.-based Proprietary Variety Management.
Lauren M. Scott’s third anniversary as chief marketing officer of the Produce Marketing Association has arrived; it is easy to remember because her first day on the job was at Fresh Summit in 2016.
