The Power of Relationships

In the wholesale produce business, you can’t rely on luck to last nearly 100 years. You have to rely on people and the relationships you have with them.

At V. Marchese, we’ve learned a lot since we were founded as a family-run wholesaler in 1934 in Milwaukee, WI. Our longevity is rooted, not only in delivering the freshest produce, but also in the strength of our relationships. Strong relationships are the most resilient supply chain of all. And in today’s climate — marked by inflation, labor shortages, and tariff uncertainty — that truth has never been more important.

TRUST IS BUILT EVERY DAY

Trust should drive everything a wholesaler does. If you promise a load of strawberries on a Sunday morning, it had better show up on time and cold. That kind of follow-through builds loyalty — not just when things are going smoothly, but especially when they’re not. When extreme weather, market volatility, or supply chain snarls hit, don’t scramble to chase the cheapest option, lean on relationships. We adapt, we communicate, and we support one another. That loyalty runs both ways.

Just like food safety, trust requires daily vigilance. Sanitation protocols only work if you inspect them firsthand, day after day. Relationships work the same way — they’re built through consistent effort, transparency, and doing the right thing, even when it is not openly apparent.

Strong relationships don’t form behind a desk. They’re forged in the warehouse, on delivery routes, at the loading dock, and face-to-face with customers. It’s important to build a hands-on culture where everyone — from leadership to the third-shift sanitation crew — takes ownership.

Strong relationships don’t form behind a desk. They’re forged in the warehouse, on delivery routes, at the loading dock, and face-to-face with customers.

That mindset is central to both how we serve our customers and how we operate internally. We believe food safety is a matter of pride, not just compliance. A well-sanitized facility is more than a checklist item; it’s a reflection of our respect for the product, the people we serve, and each other.

Whether it’s helping a chef build a seasonal menu, delivering in a snowstorm, or offering a creative substitution when something’s out of stock, a wholesaler’s team should be empowered to go above and beyond. That approach creates customer loyalty, and it’s especially critical in times of crisis.

SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS THAT WITHSTAND THE STORM

Our relationships with growers and suppliers are just as important as those with customers. In fact, they’re often what enables us to serve our customers at the level we do.

We treat our suppliers as partners, not commodities. We’ve worked with many of them for decades. That stability creates a level of mutual understanding that no contract can replace. When markets shift or disasters strike, we work together to find solutions. Like food safety professionals who lead by example and care deeply about the work, we believe in a boots-on-the-ground approach to partnership. We show up, listen and collaborate.

It’s this kind of proactive engagement that ensures quality never takes a back seat to cost. When availability gets tight, don’t panic — pick up the phone. That’s the power of long-term trust.

Relationships don’t stop at the edge of the loading dock. We’re deeply rooted in the Milwaukee community, and we believe that when our community thrives, we all do.

These community ties reinforce the values that guide us: integrity, accountability and heart. They’re not just part of our company culture — they’re the foundation of our identity.

THE RELATIONSHIP ADVANTAGE

In the produce industry, freshness, speed, and quality are essential, but they’re not enough. The real advantage is relationships. They’re what transform a transaction into a partnership. They require care, attention to detail, and pride in performance, just like a food safety audit or a perfect pallet.

We’ve weathered nearly a century of economic downturns, supply chain chaos, labor shortages and shifting regulations. What’s carried us through isn’t just great logistics — it’s people. When you invest in them — whether they’re employees, growers, or customers — they invest in you.

Never lose sight of what matters most: delivering not just produce, but peace of mind. Providing not just service, but support. Building not just business, but bonds that last.

Produce is perishable. Relationships, when nurtured, are not. It’s the strength of your relationships. And those, we believe, are what truly keep the business growing.

Jack Marchese, managing partner of V. Marchese and Cut Fresh LLC, Milwaukee, WI, learned the family business at V. Marchese, working alongside his father on a delivery truck. As soon as he was able, Jack began full-time at V. Marchese and learned about the family business from the ground up, serving in multiple capacities, always with an eye on quality and building strong relationships with customers. Jack is a dedicated family man (one must be to run a family business!) and is an avid outdoorsman in his free time.