Fraymil F. Rodriguez, 37
Chief Operating Officer, Exp. Group LLC, North Bergen, NJ
June 12, 2026 | 3 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Jersey City and Bayonne
Hobbies: Sports, HIIT training, Jiujitsu
Family/Community: Married, 2 sons
Motto in life: Mamba Mentality, Outwork Everyone, Hustle, Grind, Execute.
Rodriguez is a senior executive and growth-focused operator in the food distribution industry, currently serving as chief operating officer of Exp. Group. He began his professional journey in September 2007 after graduating from high school in Santiago, Dominican Republic, entering the industry with a hands-on approach that built a strong foundation in both operations and sales.
By 2011, his performance and leadership earned him a management role, where he quickly distinguished himself through his ability to drive growth, streamline operations, and build high-performing teams. From there, he advanced through executive leadership, serving as vice president and later senior vice president, before being appointed chief operating officer in 2025.
Throughout his career, Rodriguez has been instrumental in scaling Exp. Group into a multi-state operation, expanding its distribution network across New Jersey, New York, and Texas, while strengthening direct sourcing relationships throughout Latin America. He has led key initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across a fleet of over 80 trucks and multiple distribution centers, while also playing a central role in building strategic partnerships and positioning the company for continued expansion.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
I began my journey in September 2007, right after graduating high school in Santiago, Dominican Republic. My father was in the industry since 1998, and I was drawn to it after high school. Like many in our industry, I started from the ground up, learning every aspect of business hands-on.
What drew me in and ultimately kept me here was the pace, the people, and the global nature of produce. It’s an industry where effort translates directly into results, and where relationships and trust truly matter. That combination made it more than just a job; it became a long-term career.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
I’m most proud of the journey itself, growing from an entry-level role in 2007 to chief operating officer. That progression represents years of discipline, resilience, and continuous learning.
Beyond titles, I take the most pride in helping scale Exp into a multi-state operation and building teams that continue to grow and succeed together. Seeing others develop and win within the organization is just as meaningful as any personal achievement.
Q: What do you think drives growth the most in the industry?
Growth in this industry is driven by a combination of reliability, relationships and execution. Customers need consistency in supply, quality and service. Companies that can build strong partnerships, both on the sourcing side and with customers, while executing at a high level operationally, are the ones that grow the fastest.
Q: Where do you think growth happens the most?
All areas matter, but operations are the foundation. Without strong operational execution, growth in sales or marketing isn’t sustainable. Once that foundation is solid, sales and strategic partnerships accelerate growth significantly.
Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?
Start by learning the business from the ground up, and don’t rush the process. This is an industry where experience matters, and every role teaches you something valuable. Focus on building relationships, being reliable, and staying consistent in your work. If you combine that with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, there is a lot of opportunity to grow and succeed.
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