2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Lindsay Young Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Senior Manager Produce Category DevelopmentFederated Cooperatives LimitedCalgary, Alberta, Canada Age: 38Hometown: Airdrie, Alberta, CanadaHobbies: Yoga, Gardening, Skiing, CraftingFamily/Community: Married, 1 sonMotto in life: Keep on keeping on. Young started her career at Federated Cooperatives Limited in October 2013 and has held multiple roles over the past decade. She started as… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: James D. Williams Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Business DevelopmentUnited Apple SalesLyndonville, NY Age: 29Hometown: Walworth, NYHobbies: Farm tours, Evening orchard walks, Snowshoeing, Skiing, Doing donuts on ATVsFamily/Community: Married, Newborn daughter, Member of NY Farm Bureau, Active in local FFA OrganizationsMotto in life: Each day is a blessing. The bad days help us to appreciate the good ones.… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Christian Vega Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Department DirectorGalera FreshChicago, IL Age: 30Hometown: Chicago, ILHobbies: Racing Cars, Formula 1Family/Community: Married, 2 childrenMotto in life: Defeat is always momentary. Though he grew up in the family produce business, Vega worked for over four years as a diesel mechanic until one day in 2016 his father, Jose (Pepe) Vega… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Armando Taddei Torres Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Senior Sales RepresentativeMarengo FoodsSan Juan, TX Age: 38Hometown: Nogales, AZHobbies: Golf, Tennis, Baseball, Outdoor ActivitiesFamily/Community: Married, 2 sonsMotto in life: Life is a one-time offer. Born and raised in Sonora, Mexico, Taddei immigrated to the U.S. in 2014. He started in the produce industry in 2015 as a quality control… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Taylor Thompson Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Merchant, ProduceWalmartBentonville, AR Age: 27Hometown: New Canaan, CTHobbies: Running, Raising axolotls, Rock climbingFamily/Community: Men’s group at church, Spent two years as a missionary in Paraguay before collegeMotto in life: Use what you’ve been given to give back to those around you. Thompson began his career at Walmart as a merchandising… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Molly Tabron Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of SupplyRobinson FreshEden Prairie, MN Age: 39Hometown: Rochester, MNHobbies: Photography, Spending time outside with family and friends, Kids sportsFamily/Community: Married, 2 children, Grace Church in Eden Prairie Welcome Team and children’s programmingMotto in life: Two things you are in total control of in life are your attitude and your… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Dan Sebetic Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Sales Director–East CoastThe Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)Coquitlam, British Columbia Age: 40Hometown: Kenosha, WIHobbies: Traveling, Golfing, Working-Out, Music (DJ-ing,) BBQ, SneakerheadFamily/Community: Married, 2 daughtersMotto in life: Get sh*t done. Sebetic was introduced to the industry in 2001 while working at Woodman’s Food Markets during high school and while attending the University of… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Melanie Schroedter Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Assistant Category DirectorWonderful CitrusDelano, CA Age: 37Hometown: Orange Grove, TXHobbies: Participating in 5K runs, Audio books, Walking/hiking with dogFamily/Community: Junior League (President from June 2023 through May 2025)Motto in life: God has a plan! Schroedter started her career in produce with L&M Companies out of North Carolina after she graduated… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Mark Sato Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Chief Commercial OfficerFortune GrowersElgin, IL Age: 40Hometown: Chicago, ILHobbies: Reading, Health and fitness, Learning, Coaching, SingingMotto in life: Do your best, never give up, be respectful. Sato started with Fortune Growers as an account executive with no prior experience in the produce industry, and has helped the company grow to… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Joseph Procacci III Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Vice President Business DevelopmentProcacci Holdings Company LLCPhiladelphia, PA Age: 31Hometown: Moorestown, NJHobbies: Golf, Philadelphia sports, Huge Disney fan, familyFamily/Community: Married, 3 childrenMotto in life: “Be a Man for Others.” — St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia Procacci started his career in the family business in 2010, working in the company’s tomato warehouses… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Chelsea Perkins Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Product ManagerTaylor FarmsSalinas, CA Age: 33Hometown: Salinas, CAHobbies: Hiking, Wine tasting, Traveling, Spending time with familyFamily/Community: Married, 2 stepchildrenMotto in life: Hard work pays off in the end. Success follows those who are willing to put in the effort and dedication. Perkins’ career in agriculture started with a category manager… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Octavio Páramo Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of OperationsMann PackingGonzales, CA Age: 37Hometown: King City, CAHobbies: Horses, His children’s sporting eventsFamily/Community: Married, 5 children, St. John’s Catholic ChurchMotto in life: You have to work hard in the dark to shine in the light. Páramo was born and raised in the Salinas Valley. Although surrounded by agricultural… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Kassi Orozco Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Sales SpecialistRiver Valley Fruit, LLCGrandview, WA Age: 37Hometown: Zillah, WAHobbies: Camping and boating with family, Vacationing in Puerto VallartaFamily/Community: Married, 2 childrenMotto in Life: If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it! Orozco is the perfect example of how a successful career in agriculture can be… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Conner O’Malley Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - PresidentDomex Superfresh Growers, LLCYakima, WA Age: 30Hometown: Selah, WAHobbies: Running, Hiking, Camping, GardeningFamily/Community: MarriedMotto in life: Control what you can control, and always do your best. Appointed president at 29, O’Malley has steered Superfresh Growers through two back-to-back, post-pandemic crop challenges, showcasing not just resilience, but an unwavering commitment to… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Michael Napolitano Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of OrganicsMcDaniel & Chirico WorldwideFallbrook, CA Age: 36Hometown: Harrington Park, NJHobbies: Sailing, SkiingMotto in life: Always be prepared. Napolitano grew up in a family with a long history in the produce industry, and started learning and working in the family’s New Jersey foodservice company, Samuel S. Napolitano Produce. Throughout… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Rolff Vladimir Mitton Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of OperationsNational Mango BoardOrlando, FL Age: 37Hometown: Deltona, FLHobbies: Reading, SoccerFamily/Community: Married, 1 sonMotto in life: It does not matter how many times we fall, all that matters is that we get back up every time. Mitton is an agricultural engineer with a master’s degree in soil science. He… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Erica Miller Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Manager, Sourcing; West CoastThe Ruby CompanyBuffalo Grove, IL Age: 35Hometown: Salinas, CAHobbies: Hiking with her dog, Horseback riding, ConcertsFamily/Community: Married, 2 daughters, Volunteer at CA Salinas RodeoMotto in life: Good growth is meant to be painful. In 2014, only two weeks after graduating from California State University Northridge, Miller began… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Justin McIntyre Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Manager-Wholesale Procurement (Produce)The Pattison Food GroupLangley, British Columbia Age: 33Hometown: Langley, British ColumbiaHobbies: Movies, Painting miniatures, Board games, Building computers, Marvel comicsFamily/Community: Married, 2 childrenMotto in life: Elevate your team, and they will elevate you. McIntyre started in the produce industry in 2006 as a produce clerk at a local… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Paul J. Mastronardi Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of Sales/PartnerEver Tru FarmsKingsville, Ontario, Canada Age: 32Hometown: Kingsville, OntarioHobbies: Golf, FitnessFamily/Community: University of Windsor Dean’s Science BoardMotto in life: If you fall off the horse, get back on. As a third-generation farmer, Mastronardi’s career started long before he formally entered the industry. It began at 12, as he… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Nicholas Marchini Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - COO FarmingJ. Marchini FarmsLe Grand, CA Age: 38Hometown: Le Grand, CAHobbies: Skiing, Traveling, Gardening, Football, Baseball, Coaching Little League baseballFamily/Community: Married, 5 children, Plainsburg Cemetery District Board chairman, Local water agency board, Italo lodgeMotto in life: Anything worth doing is worth doing right! A fourth-generation farmer, Marchini started working for… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Johnny Lunsford Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Product ManagerL&M Companies Inc.Raleigh, NC Age: 35Hometown: St. Augustine, FLHobbies: Fishing, Camping, GolfFamily/Community: Married, 2 children, Active support of the Home Education FoundationMotto in life: To live is to do the things you want to do when you want to do them. So live! Lunsford began his career in 2006… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Matthew Lind Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Owner/PresidentFarmLind ProduceRiver Vale, NJ Age: 30Hometown: River Vale, NJHobbies: Biking, Hiking, Boating, Building projects, Spending time with friends and familyFamily/Community: Local food pantries, Sponsoring local teamsMotto in life: Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Lind started working at 14 for a farm near his hometown and… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Maxwell Remington Krieger Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Chief Operating Officer/Director of Sales & MarketingDark Side of the Spoon IndustriesDenver, CO Age: 37Hometown: Rye, NYHobbies: Scuba Diving (Master Diver Certified), Lacrosse, Cooking, History Family/Community: Married, 2 sons.Motto in Life: C’est La Vie. Krieger’s professional accomplishments are built on a solid track record of collaboration, teamwork, relationship building and… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Johnny Karrat Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of Sales & OperationsCapital City ProduceTroy, NY Age: 25Hometown: Clifton Park, NYHobbies: Skiing, Boating, Going to the beach, Cooking/grilling, Spending time with family and friendsFamily/Community: St. Ann’s Maronite Catholic Church, St. Jude Children’s HospitalMotto in life: Have no fear of perfection — you’ll never achieve it. Karrat was born… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Christine Jackson Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Senior Manager, Marketing and Product DevelopmentWP RawlPelion, SC Age: 39Hometown: Lexington, SCHobbies: Spending time with family, Fitness, ReadingFamily/Community: Married, 3 daughters, Military spouseMotto in life: Work hard, enjoy life, take care of family, but also invest time in yourself. With more than 21 years of experience in the industry, Jackson… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Antonio Illiano Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - East Coast Grape Category Manager and Senior SalesOppyCoquitlam, British Columbia Age: 39Hometown: Bear, DEHobbies: Food, Sports, TravelFamily/Community: Married; 2 childrenMotto in life: Life is too short to eat bad food. Illiano joined Oppy 16 years ago as an intern on the Ocean Spray Fresh Cranberry deal after finishing a three-month… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Britney Hawkins Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Senior Trade Marketing ManagerNature Fresh FarmsKingsville, Ontario, Canada Age: 28Hometown: Tecumseh, Ontario, CanadaHobbies: Hiking, Running, Travel, ReadingFamily/Community: Special Olympics, 2SLGBTQIA+ support.Motto in life: Life is long, it would be pretty boring if we had to stay the same versions of ourselves the whole time. Embrace the change, get comfortable being… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Mason Goolsby Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Marketing CoordinatorShuman FarmsReidsville, GA Age: 27Hometown: Stockbridge, GAHobbies: Cooking, Reading, Georgia football, Braves baseballFamily/Community: SEPC STARS Committee, University of Georgia CAES Alumni Association, Feeding America volunteer, Animal rescue advocateMotto in life: Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Goolsby has always had a passion for agriculture, but had limited exposure… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Lou Getzelman Jr. Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Vice PresidentCanyon Sales CompanyBronx, NY Age: 39Hometown: North Massapequa, NYHobbies: Fitness, Golf, Coaching his kidsFamily/Community: Married, 2 children, St. Luke’s Catholic ChurchMotto in life: Win or Learn. Getzelman was raised around produce, given his father, Louis Getzelman Sr., is a 45-year veteran of the industry. After graduating from Lehigh University,… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Nikki Ford Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of ProcurementFoster-CavinessColfax, NC Age: 39Hometown: Goldsboro, NCHobbies: Painting, Drawing, Spending time with family and friends, CookingFamily/Community: Single, 1 child (in college)Motto in life: Don’t be afraid to fail. Most failed attempts turn into lessons learned. Ford started her career at Whole Foods in Cheshire, CT, where she worked from… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Wes Finch Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Vice President of Produce OperationsPepperNew York, NY Age: 39Hometown: Houston, TXHobbies: Coaching son’s baseball teams, Honing novice BBQ skills, Hunting, FishingFamily/Community: Married, 2 children, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, Wilchester Men’s Club charityMotto in life: “People just want to be taken care of.” — George Finch (his father) Finch has… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Sydney Fairchild Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Marketing and Compliance ManagerBridges Produce, Inc.Portland, OR Age: 32Hometown: Portland, OregonHobbies: Cooking, Baking, Playing with daughter, Gardening, HikingFamily/Community: Married, 1 daughterMotto in life: Always try to be one step ahead, but know how to pivot when things go awry. Fairchild has managed Bridges Produce’s compliance, marketing, and sustainability programs for… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Brittany Dorner Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Senior Director, Corporate & Treasury OperationsMastronardi Produce LimitedKingsville, Ontario, Canada Age: 35Hometown: Woodslee, Ontario, CanadaHobbies: Traveling, Camping, Spending time with family and friendsFamily/Community: Married, 2 daughtersMotto in life: Everything happens for a reason. Dorner came to the produce industry out of a career in the dental field, heading directly into… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Matthew DeBlouw Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Buyer/Sales; Grower RelationsRiggio Distribution Co.Detroit, MI Age: 30Hometown: Chesterfield, MIHobbies: Hockey, Golf, Pickleball, Bowling, Dinner dates with his daughtersFamily/Community: Married, 2 daughters, Michigan Vegetable Council Board Member, Director of the Henry “Butchie” DeBlouw Memorial Foundation, St. Isidore Catholic ChurchMotto in life: Always grateful, never complacent. DeBlouw is a fourth-generation farmer… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Daniel Corsaro Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Executive Vice President, Business PerformanceFreshEdgeIndianapolis, IN Age: 35Hometown: Indianapolis, INHobbies: Coaching sports, Travel, GolfFamily/Community: Married, 2 sonsMotto in life: Leave it better than you found it. Corsaro spent his entire childhood walking the coolers, working the docks, sampling product, and witnessing the variety of fresh produce available. He began his… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Conor Chilvers Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Account ManagerMastronardi ProduceKingsville, Ontario, Canada Age: 32Hometown: London, Ontario, CanadaHobbies: Golf, Exercise, Spending time with family and friendsMotto in life: Plan your work, work your plan. Chilvers has been in the fresh produce industry for nine years. Working in a wide variety of roles and responsibilities has given him a… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Travis Catalani Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Vice President SalesB. Catalani Inc.San Antonio, TX Age: 38Hometown: San Antonio, TXHobbies: Fly fishing, Hunting, Golf, Jiu jitsuFamily/Community: Married, 3 children, Redeemer Presbyterian ChurchMotto in life: “Discipline equals freedom.” — Jocko Willink As a fourth-generation produce family member, Catalani was taken by his grandfather on the weekends to work at… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Chayla Balko Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Director of Sales and Business DevelopmentRevol GreensAustin, TX Age: 39Hometown: Tucson, AZHobbies: Volunteering with her rescue dog, Hiking, Reading, DocumentariesFamily/Community: SingleMotto in life: Leave it better than you found it. In 2011, Balko started her produce career with Oppy’s Chicago office, as a business development representative. A year later, she… ... Read More
2024 40 Under Forty Winner: Cassidy Baker Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - BuyerEarth SourceEphrata, PA Age: 35Hometown: Strasburg, PAHobbies: Indoor Rock Climbing, Aerial Yoga, Reading, Rescue greyhoundsFamily/Community: Married, Mentoring through Discovering Paths Program; WISE Co-Chair (Women in Search of Excellence)Motto in life: “Don’t Panic.” — Douglas Adams Baker began her produce career as a receptionist at Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative and was… ... Read More
40 Under Forty: Emerging Leaders Making Connections Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Cover Stories - 2024 40 Under Forty Winners Network to Push Produce Congratulations to this year’s winners of the annual Produce Business 40 Under Forty awards! This year’s 40 Under Forty list spotlights the NextGen entrepreneurs and leaders who aren’t afraid of making the connections needed in the fresh produce industry. Many of… ... Read More
The Class of 2020: 40-Under-Forty Winners Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - RISING STARS OF THE INDUSTRY Winners of the Produce Business annual 40-Under-Forty awards program should be truly honored because they were chosen by their fellow industry mentors. Our team conducted an extensive, widespread search to elicit nominations for top young leaders. The search involved communication with thousands of industry executives… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Jay Zimmerman Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 31Western and Mid-Western Regional Sales ManagerLove Beets USA LLCBala Cynwyd, PAZimmerman is recognized in the industry as a talented salesperson whose skills are only matched by his reliability and perseverance. After being graduated from the University of Idaho, and a short stint in the finance industry, he knew he… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Mackenzie Wortham Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 31Account DirectorDMA Solutions, Inc.Dallas, TXWortham joined DMA Solutions in 2011 and since has been instrumental in the launch of some of the most comprehensive and visually-compelling websites, blogs, and marketing promotions on behalf of DMA’s clients. Now as an account director, she leads the overall marketing strategy and planning… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Thomas Wheelus Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 30National Account ManagerTaylor FarmsSalinas, CAWheelus’ produce career started right out of high school when he was offered an opportunity to work in a quality assurance/quality control position with Custom Produce (Parlier, CA) while taking classes at the local junior college and online. His time in the cooler then transitioned… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Jeffrey Weisman Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 34Senior Vice PresidentThe Ruby CompanyBuffalo Grove, ILWeisman left screenwriting in Los Angeles and entered the world of produce nearly 10 years ago. He started as an entry level sales rep and has worked his way up the ranks all while demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities. He has helped to build… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Natalie Ramirez Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 34Retail Sales ManagerDriscoll’sWatsonville, CARamirez is known to be incredibly passionate about her work and dedicated to continuing to develop her skills as a leader. With Driscoll’s for nearly 13 years, she has taken on a variety of roles that helped her shape her knowledge and experience as she has… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Douglas Posthuma Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 38Buying ManagerAlsum Farms and Produce Inc.Friesland, WIPosthuma has been with Alsum for 17 years and has worked in nearly every aspect of the company from onion buying to potato and onion sales, to now building trusted relationships with growers and customers. His responsibilities have evolved to collaborate with farmers,… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Travis Phelps Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 39Key Account ManagerRobinson FreshEden Prairie, MNFor the past 15 years, Phelps has been helping his customers and his company consistently grow. In 2004, he started his journey in the produce business with C.H Robinson in Spokane, WA, where he spent his early years surrounded by industry veterans that helped… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Nadia Pasco Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 39Chief Executive OfficerAzzuleSanta Maria, CAPasco and Azzule play a crucial role in produce by assisting buyers in communicating expectations to suppliers and, in return, conveying supplier performance to buyers. She turns a series of complex tasks into easily reviewable results and seeks to make food safety transactions as transparent… ... Read More
2020 Produce Business 40 Under Forty Award Winner: Maria D. Nunez Posted in: 40 Under Forty, Awards - Age: 34President and Chief ExecutiveLinda Mar Imports Inc.Medley, FLNunez is a self-starter who has developed a successful woman-owned produce company over the past 10 years. She started in the produce industry in 2008 as chief executive of a produce transport company with 19 trucks and established strong relationships with customers.… ... Read More