Where PASSION becomes action

A.J. LeCour: Proud to Follow in Mom’s Footsteps

Warehouse Operations Supervisor
Co-op Partners Warehouse

From 2001 to 2004, my mom, Gloria, was an order puller for Roots and Fruits, a prominent wholesale produce distributor in Minnesota. On school breaks, I would go to work with her, and, at 12, I was fascinated by the buzz of the warehouse — the forklifts zipping by, the endless stacks of produce. My mom would come home with unexpected freebies from the warehouse, filling our home with fresh food that kept our family well-fed.

Now, my mom is a sales representative at Co-op Partners Warehouse, one of the Midwest’s largest organic distributors, and I’ve followed in her footsteps. I started as an order puller out of high school and worked my way up to warehouse supervisor. I still have a long way to go, with many more goals to achieve, but I wouldn’t have taken the first step without her example.

My passion for organic produce and the people I work alongside has only grown stronger. I know there are many families who rely on the same quality produce my family enjoys, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help supply local food co-ops with fresh, healthy options. Knowing we’re making a difference for other families inspires me daily.

My first and greatest mentor has always been my mom, but I’ve also been fortunate to work with colleagues who shared their knowledge and passion for this industry. One of those mentors is Kirk Sorensen, my current senior operations manager. From the start, Kirk took me under his wing, seeing the drive I had to learn. Every night, he would walk the facility with me — a very green, 19-year-old — ensuring that every detail was in place. His patience and commitment to high standards shaped my approach to leadership and instilled in me a deep respect for getting the details right.