First Days and Bold Tomorrows

There’s something about first days. The first day of school, the first day of a new job, or the first day of a new year. There’s palpable excitement, natural trepidation, and an anticipation of new things, new friends, new dreams.

When Jim Prevor and I started Produce Business, the first few days were certainly hectic, but they were also filled with the bravado of youth and our desire to make a difference in the fresh produce world. Jim and I dreamed of making an impact in the industry that his family passed down to him over many generations, and I think it would be an understatement to say that Produce Business hasn’t made its mark these past 40 years.

OUR NEXT 40 YEARS

Of all contributions made by Produce Business, the most important one, in my opinion, is the open forum it creates of thought-leadership and close camaraderie. And it’s the thought-leadership that we celebrate in this anniversary issue, and over the next 10 months.

Produce Business will be sharing the insights of 40 key individuals within the fresh produce industry, insights that will challenge long-held opinions, encourage leaders of the next generation and foster greater industry fellowship. We hope you will read these leaders’ words carefully and ponder how to incorporate their wisdom in your own life’s work. If you wish to respond to any of the opinions expressed, we invite you to send your comments to our editors: [email protected].

Risk-taking, fearless leadership, transformational change — all of these things are part of a company’s (or family’s) culture. But rather than simply talking about it, we need to live these values if we want our industry to grow.

As we forge the next 40 years of produce innovation together, we hope you pause to look around you, say a few words of thanks, and then ask yourself: How will I be bold today?

Without Produce Business magazine, I certainly would not be the man I am — intellectually and emotionally — because of the wonderful fellowship of people who contributed to it, not only by reading the magazine, but by commenting on and off the record, inviting me to their homes, enjoying each other’s company at an event, or even after hours.

As we march on toward the future, I will continue to open my arms to new acquaintances and give even bigger hugs to the old ones. And I will continue to dream big. It’s like our first days all over again.