Five Tips for Building a Career in the Produce Industry

Starting out in any industry, especially one as dynamic and fast-paced as the produce business, can be a whirlwind.

Today, I am the chief executive of Katzman’s family of companies, leading teams of approximately 500 people across multiple companies spanning the produce supply chain. Yet, I can still remember my earliest days when I joined Katzman Produce 24 years ago: trying to get my hands dirty, absorb everything, make a good impression, and prove myself.

Looking back, there are few key things I did that set me up for success. Here are my top five tips for building a career in the produce industry.

1. Actively listen and try to understand the “why”

When beginning your career, listening is your superpower — specifically active listening: paying attention not only to what is said, but why it’s said. Our industry has so many seasoned produce experts with knowledge and experience to share, and these people are the best resources. Listen to your managers, watch how decisions get made, and ask thoughtful follow-up questions..

Relationships are everything in our business. Building connections and a positive reputation takes time, so start early.

Understanding your company’s — and the greater industry’s — ecosystem helps you become more capable and confident, and provides a strong foundation for the rest of your career.

2. Chase experience, not titles

The most valuable way to start your career is by gaining as much experience as possible. I recommend learning everything you can in your current role, and also being open to making lateral moves to other roles and departments within your company, where you can broaden your perspective, understand different parts of the business, and gain insight into how everything works together to run the operation.

This cross-functional foundation is so helpful in developing as a leader, elevating the way you’re able to think about the business and interact with people throughout the organization. During these earlier years, in some cases, a lateral move could even be more beneficial than a higher title, heightening your potential due to the increased experience.

3. Build relationships, the earlier the better!

Relationships are everything in our business. Building connections and a positive reputation takes time, so start early. Be open, curious, and outgoing. Show up to events, network with people at your company and throughout the produce industry (those you do — and even those you don’t — do business with) and help others whenever you can.

As you build your network, you’ll have more contacts and resources to brainstorm ideas, navigate challenges, identify solutions, and open doors for you and your company for years to come.

4. Proactively communicate

The produce industry is fast-paced, especially with the perishable nature of our products. There are so many factors outside of our control — whether it’s Mother Nature at the farming level, traffic or storms when transporting product, or a number of other unexpected elements that could occur throughout the supply chain. Things will go wrong and not according to plan, and what matters most is how you handle these situations.

When faced with a problem, if you’ve quickly exhausted possible resources and solutions to no avail, be upfront and communicate early with your team or customers to give everyone time to adjust and find other solutions, potentially outside of you and your business.

By showing partners that you’re focused on their goals and helping them solve problems, you build trust, long-term relationships and mutual success.

5. Get involved with associations

Reaching our full potential as the produce industry requires all of us working together to make an impact. That’s where industry associations come in. They connect individuals and companies to the bigger picture and greater goals of the industry, offering valuable insights into trends, policy, innovation, and more.,

They can help introduce you to industry peers who are equally passionate about moving the industry forward. And many associations offer leadership development, training and platforms to share knowledge, skills and solutions with dedicated resources and expertise.

Whether through regional, national or international associations, there are opportunities for everyone to join and contribute. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to colleagues, attend a local event, or simply ask someone in your network with shared interests. It’s an investment in your growth and in the future of our industry.

THE BOTTOM LINE

As part of the produce business, we get to work with great people and great products that improve lives. If you’re new to produce, welcome to the best industry in the world! Be curious, make connections, and never stop learning. Get involved, give back, and surround yourself with people and experiences that can help you grow.

I’m so grateful for all of the people and experiences that have taught me. And 24 years in, I’m still learning something new every day.

Stefanie Katzman is chief executive and fourth generation at Katzman, a family of companies with 100+ years in the produce business, which supplies approximately 450 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually. She also serves on the U.S. Council of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), and serves on the board at DREAM, a public charter school and youth development organization, and the New York Advisory Board for Sharing Excess.PB