Here at PMG, we like to celebrate produce managers at every opportunity — including on social media and in quarterly webinars as part of our Produce Artist Award Series — and so we are thrilled that this week includes Love Your Produce Manager Day on April 2.
(Coincidentally, April 2 is also the winter results webinar for our Produce Artist Award Series, so sign up here if you'd like to join us in celebrating produce managers and merchandisers in that forum!)
In honor of this holiday, here's a look back at some fun conversations with a few of the folks honored last year as part of United Fresh's Retail Produce Manager Awards Program, plus an insightful column by industry veteran Steve Patt on how companies should give this critical role the respect it deserves.
Enjoy the interviews below, which we conducted on the topic on these folks being recognized by United Fresh, and remember to let a produce manager know you appreciate them this week!
Freddie Dowell, Brookshire Grocery Co.
"Man, I was smiling so hard I couldn't even speak," Dowell said. "Felt like my face was cracking. I was thrilled. I never thought I would be getting this award, but I'm blessed to be where I'm at with the company and I really appreciate it.”
John Hollenden, The Giant Co.
“I knew I was nominated, but I just didn't think there was a shot at it,” said Hollenden, who started his career in produce when he was just 16 years old. “Very honored to be selected, one in 25 across the country. It's pretty much a highlight of my long career.”
Jaleisha Freeman, Oceana Naval Air Station Commissary
“People have reached out to me from stores that I started at, the store that I interned at, my last store and then now here, so it's just nice to know the impact that we make as a whole team,” Freeman said. “I just really, really, truly appreciate all the teams that I've worked with thus far.”
Clay Williams, Harps Food Stores
“I like getting out there and offering a service to the community,” Williams said. “I think now with the whole COVID thing we've really gotten to see how important our jobs are. Ever since this started, I can't tell you how much me and my team have been complimented by our customers, like ‘Thank you for being here,' ‘Thank you for what you do,' and it's really kind of been inspiring for all of us ...
“A lot of times when you work in a grocery store you just think you're just working in a grocery store, but with this whole situation going on across the nation, you really get to see ... you're supplying a vital need to your community, so I really enjoy that part of it,” Williams said.
Brad Franklin, Tops Markets
"Our company has a very large footprint, and I'm pretty much the guy on the opposite end of the earth, and it really was great that people do recognize us people out here," Franklin said.
Josh Smith, Rouses Markets
"I love making customers happy," Smith said. "I love merchandising, building huge displays, eye-appealing displays."
Eddy Queirolo, The Fresh Market
“I was very humbled to receive this recognition," Queirolo said. "To me, it's the equivalent of winning an Oscar for produce managers nationwide.”
