Having fun is what really makes work more enjoyable. People who have fun in their jobs are more productive.
A friend told me, “When you and I were in retail together, we took great pride in building those big, massive displays taking the chance and challenge that we could sell it all. It was how we got our self-gratification and sense of worth.”
Many experienced produce veterans were trained under the strict watchful eyes of big, muscle-bound, rough-and-tough bosses. They talked loud, walked loud and even looked loud. They were a different breed that was trained in the streets and alleys of the produce industry. These bosses were like drill sergeants.
When I was promoted from a produce manager to a junior buyer, my boss took me down to the terminal market with a produce field supervisor. These guys were giant gorillas with faces like steel.
One incident that will remain with me for the rest of my life was when my boss asked a market salesman the price of his watermelons. The guy shouted out the price. Then, faster than lightning, the field supervisor reached under his topcoat, pulled out an oversized knife, and stuck it into one of the watermelons angrily shouting, “Too much!” This was the most frightening part of my “on-the-job training.”
At the end of the day, my boss said, “Son, do you still want to be in this produce business?” The answer was obvious, as I’m still in it and never had any regrets.
New marketplace trends have forced companies to focus on innovative ways of doing business. Shopping habits are far different these days than they were 30, 20 or even a year ago. Our leaders of tomorrow must have a vision of reaching the ever-changing consumers’ produce-eating habits.
Produce executives of the future must have quality talent in order to achieve success for their companies. Many people such as founders, stockholders, employees and customers, will count on a good leader.
The reality in this era is that top management and stockholders expect productive action today, not tomorrow. There is more demand today than ever before to achieve the profit line.
Those old days are long gone. Today, company performance is highly essential. Better put, profit results are demanding. Companies face marketing conditions that require an innovative and creative approach.
Our industry needs energized people in key business positions to drive it to the next level. We depend on our youth to take us there. So, we need to develop ways to help them love their jobs. Once they love what they do and look forward to it each day, they will feel like they never have to work again.
Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].
