As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our company, we reflect on the many versions of ourselves we have seen over this last decade. Our team has expanded, our client list has evolved, our Blackberries have turned to iPhones and our marketing has expanded from talking to buyers at retail and foodservice to daily interactions with consumers.
We’ve definitely had our share of swerves and bumps in the road, but we’re proud of what we are today. And we owe a thank you to so many of you who have challenged, mentored and encouraged. You have served as inspiration on this journey.
So in honor of this worthy milestone in our company’s history and to recognize the example that so many of your companies have been to us, we wanted to share a few thoughts on what we believe to be 7 attributes that define a company’s staying power – no matter how big or small.
1. Passion.
Excitement, energy, and passion for our industry are the things that propel us forward and get us over the inevitable humps. Passion for our products and for the ones we have yet to define. Passion for the value we deliver our customers. Passion for adapting new technologies and uncovering new solutions. Passion is what makes us fall in love with this industry day after day.
2. Courage.
We must all have courage to push the boundaries and courage to stand for the conventional when it works. We need courage to step into uncharted territory and courage to lead others on the journey – even when the map isn’t very clear. The companies in our industry that embody staying power inevitably have the courage to turn the challenges that Mother Nature and perishable products present into opportunities for growth.
3. A strong team.
Where would we all be without the people who take this journey with us? Our teams may indeed come in many shapes and sizes, but something they must all have in common is dedication, honesty and hard work. We must always challenge one another to be better than we were yesterday and wiser than we were last week. Working together as a team, our companies are stronger and better poised for a future of success.
4. Marketing.
A plug for us? Not really. Marketing in our industry has evolved over these last 15 years from a commodity-driven world to one full of recognizable brands known around the world. The opportunities to share our volumes of amazing stories about the vast array of products we grow, ship and sell have never been more available, affordable and effective.
5. Technology.
It seems like it changes every day. 10 years ago, who would have conceived of the product tracking abilities we have at the push of a button on our Smartphones or at the scan of a QR code? And there’s no telling what might be introduced tomorrow. But one thing is certain – technology makes our businesses smarter, more efficient and more easily accessible for consumers. Technology opens doors and increases our opportunities; it is our friend.
6. Understanding Competition.
Yes, there can only be one winner on a PO, and there are many areas in which competition exists for our day to day businesses. But the reality is that our fiercest competition is other food choices, access to our products and our ability to connect with consumers. We should be working toward the same goal – to increase consumption of fresh produce. Companies that embrace this mindset and see the bigger picture have the advantage of sharing and gleaning best practices that make us all better in the long run.
7. Generosity.
From volunteer leadership to financial support, our industry is only strong if we put more in than we take out. It’s that simple.
So what would you add to the list? What do you believe defines a company’s staying power? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and we owe a thank you to so many of you who have challenged, mentored and encouraged us on this journey.