Josh Rector, 36
Produce Category Manager , Harps Food Stores , Springdale, AR
June 10, 2025 | 3 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Hobbies: Golf, Barbecue, Landscaping, Interior home projects, Family time
Family/Community: Married, 2 children
Motto in life: Everybody love everybody.
With hands-on experience from clerk to produce manager, Rector has spent several years excelling as a category manager at Harps Food Stores. His 16 years of retail grocery experience, all in fresh produce, have led him to be an accomplished leader for Harps and its produce operations. He specializes in all things retail, from ad writing and managing retails, to buying and merchandising. His deep industry knowledge, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence have made him an invaluable asset to the company and the produce industry as a whole. Known for his exceptional relationship-building skills, he thrives in promoting products from Harps’ valued vendor partners. His strategic approach to merchandising and branding sets him apart as one of the brightest minds in the industry. He has a keen eye for innovation and growth. His dedication to professional growth is evident in his industry development.
He is a graduate of the Southeast Produce Council’s STEP-UPP Program (2016), the Southeast Produce Council’s Next Generation Leadership Academy (2024), IFPA’s Emerging Leaders Program (2017), and IFPA’s Leadership Program (2023).
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
I started when I was 19, in my local Harps store. I was in search of a steady paycheck, but more importantly a career. I was hired to work in the produce department and never spent a minute working in any other area of the store. I loved how the produce department invoked all of your senses — the smells, the seasonal tastes, the colors and the constant changing of the department. I’ve heard that once you get into the produce industry, it doesn’t let you leave, but honestly, I’ve never wanted to.
Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?
Your word, and the relationships you make, mean everything. Partnerships are stronger than POs. Continue to hone your skills as a buyer/merchandiser/marketer, but also put a strong emphasis on the relationships and connections you make.
Q: What is the one thing in your business that you are most passionate about?
We feed people. During the pandemic we were deemed “essential” because the world needed us to continue providing food. Not only are we feeding people, but we’re feeding people healthy foods. We’re providing people healthy options that can truly change their lives for the better.
Q: What challenges and opportunities do you see for the future of the industry?
Food insecurities, food deserts, and keeping children fed are the biggest opportunities for change that we can make. Also, the lack of labor, from the fields to the produce departments, as well as the increasing presence of technology, from AI to digital shopping to robotics.
Q: What do you think consumers will desire in the future?
Desires for fresh fruits and vegetables will only continue to grow. Healthy options, food as medicine, and the increasing attention to make America healthy again will benefit our industry in the short term, and if we can capitalize on our opportunity, it can continue into the long term as well.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
I am extremely grateful that I had the chance to participate in the industry development programs, but what I am most proud of are the relationships and friends I’ve made while in those programs and throughout my journey in the produce industry. The entire industry feels like one big family
NOMINEES
