Andrew Garcia III: Rooted in Success and Trust

September 2, 2025 | 2 min to read

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In this article:

The author, who developed a deep love for the produce industry while working with family from 1987 to 2006, emphasizes the importance of relationships and mentorship. They learned from mentors like Andy Garcia Jr. and Cookie Garcia while servicing clients like Winn-Dixie and Publix. Passionate about giving back, they contribute through the IPFA Career Ambassador program and the USDA/FVIAC committee. Recognizing the challenges of the industry, they stress that long-term success relies on strong partnerships and adapting to change.

Key Account Sales
Ruskin Packaging Inc.

I fell in love with the produce industry when I worked in my family’s business from 1987 to 2006. During those 19 years, my father, Andy Garcia Jr., and my uncle Ernest (Cookie) Garcia were the two best mentors. We serviced the state of Florida with packed salads, spinach and coleslaw. Winn-Dixie and Publix were big supporters of our products because we packed fresh and delivered to them daily.

After being in the family business, I worked with some good grower/shipper companies, where I could build great, consistent business. My relationships enabled me to transition from one company to the next, and I was always told that they would support me, as I was a good, honest account manager they could trust.

Seeing how much my customers valued relationships, and recognizing the impact of my hard work in making their jobs easier was incredibly rewarding. They relied on me for consistent quality, fair pricing, and the assurance that I would always stay on top of their orders.

Later, I had the opportunity to give back to the industry by serving as a mentor for the IPFA Career Ambassador program. This allowed me to share my hands-on experience with college students preparing to graduate and enter the field. Additionally, I was honored to be selected for a two-year term on the USDA/FVIAC committee.

As I’ve grown in this business, I’ve developed a strong passion for education and mentoring. Giving back is important to me, and I do so by sharing my experience in ways that complement what others already know. There’s no substitute for hands-on knowledge.

This business is challenging, but deeply rewarding. Long-term success comes from strong partnerships, and I believe that we all rely on each other to achieve that.

My passion has always been to build a career rooted in success and trust, and to pass those values on to the next generation.

Success in the produce industry depends on many factors — weather, delayed arrivals, and countless other moving parts. Navigating these challenges is simply part of the puzzle. If you’re not comfortable with constant change, this isn’t the industry for you.