Executive Vice President, Business Performance
FreshEdge
Indianapolis, IN
Age: 35
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Hobbies: Coaching sports, Travel, Golf
Family/Community: Married, 2 sons
Motto 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 professional career in the commercial insurance industry, then, after three years, he returned to his family-owned fresh produce distribution business. Over the years, he has spent time in all functional areas of the business. He has worked with teams at Indianapolis Fruit and across FreshEdge to elevate business performance and deliver an unmatched customer experience. Over the last 10 years, he has led the development of a customized CRM tool, negotiated multi-million-dollar supply agreements, cultivated custom import programs, implemented digital tools to drive efficiency and business analytics, and created events and outreach, driving employee engagement.
In 2021, he became president of Indianapolis Fruit Company. During his tenure as president, he cultivated growth and transformed the company into a customer-obsessed, data-driven company. In 2024, he took on a dual role as Indianapolis Fruit’s president and executive vice president of business performance for FreshEdge, Indianapolis Fruit’s parent company. His role with FreshEdge involves serving operating company leaders in their efforts of leading teams and exceeding goals. He was a PMA Foundation Emerging Leaders Program graduate in 2015 and United Fresh Produce Association Leadership Program graduate in 2018/2019.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry?
I was introduced to the produce industry at birth. I wanted to emulate my dad, Danny Corsaro, so badly that in my elementary school years, I started my own corner market on the cul-de-sac in our neighborhood. Prior to home delivery being the norm, I was offering this service to residents and neighbors.
Q: What do you know now you wish you knew when you first started your career?
No matter how hard you work to eliminate risks and challenges, this business always delivers on variables that are out of your control, impacting the path to success.
Q: What is the one thing in your business you are most passionate about?
Creating businesses that are the most desirable to work with.
Q: What are some ways we can increase produce consumption at the point of sale?
In our business, we are selling products that are sensory items. Consumers need to see, touch, smell and taste our products. Sampling and demoing is the most powerful tool to increase consumption, engagement and excitement.
Q: How has the industry changed during your tenure?
The industry has become more price-sensitive during my tenure. Price has always been an important part of the business, however service, consistency, quality and relationships outweighed price in most scenarios. Now, price is most important in many scenarios.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
I’m most proud to have been part of a team that led a 70-plus-year-old family business through two acquisitions without sacrificing culture and customer focus.
Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?
Keep your chin up. This industry rewards you for the bumps and bruises. If you’re not battling, you’re not trying hard enough in fresh produce.
