When Lauren Dandrea graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in public health, and a minor in biology, she planned to enter a different industry. But the idea of joining her family business, Dandrea Produce Inc., in Vineland, NJ, always lingered in her mind.

It’s little wonder. The Dandrea family members are close-knit kin and highly supportive of each another. Lauren joined the company in April. At age 26, she serves as import procurement assistant to her uncle, Frank Dandrea, company president, who is also the director of import programs and direct (domestic) grower operations.Lauren Dandrea in Iceland.

Lauren is Steve Dandrea’s daughter. He is also a partner in the company and vice president of sales and marketing.

Another brother-partner, Ron Dandrea, serves as secretary and treasurer, and heads import sales for the company.

“After graduation I began taking courses toward a master’s degree in nutrition and food sciences,” said Dandrea. “I felt if I decided to join our family business that this level of education would be helpful. At the same time I was working in the nonprofit sector, in which I have always been interested.”

In September 2013 she joined the Dorys Erving Fit Youth Foundation in Philadelphia as executive director. The nonprofit’s goal is to fight childhood obesity. Erving’s husband, Julius Winfield Erving II, commonly known as Dr. J, is a retired basketball player who helped legitimize the American Basketball Association, and is today considered a basketball legend.

“Childhood obesity was a major problem in Philadelphia,” explained Dandrea. “My tasks included event planning, fundraising, organizing information and coordinating visits with schools.”

However much she loved nonprofit, the thought of working with her family was never far from her mind. She was involved in the business throughout her childhood working in various departments in the summer months,Lauren Dandrea in Portugal. and spending a lot of time with “Pop-Pop,” her grandfather, Peter Dandrea, who died in 2006.

“Even at a young age I recognized a commendable work ethic that exists in the produce industry,” said Dandrea. “I had accompanied Uncle Frank on a couple of business trips and attended some trade shows over the years.

“During one particular trip to Morocco to visit clementine suppliers, I was highly inspired watching my uncle negotiate and socialize with Dandrea’s growing partners,” she continued. “We toured farms and sampled clementine varieties, and I was able to absorb a far-away culture. The trip instilled a resolved pride in my family business.”

Every Dandrea family member has served as inspiration to Lauren during her life.

Ron Dandrea has three children, Frank has one and Lauren has a younger brother and sister. Four of the fourth generation now work for the company.

Lauren’s family arm also has a host son, Jack Crawford. He came to the U.S. from London to go to high school and play basketball several years ago. He and Lauren’s brother, Peter, formed a friendship that extended to the entire family. He lived with them for about 10 years. Crawford now plays football for the Dallas Cowboys, and the entire Dandrea family considers him a family member.

Dandrea plans to continue to work with nonprofits in the future.

“I have a strong moral commitment to give back to society in any way possible, and I plan to continue to be involved in the future,” she explained.

Dandrea has a lengthy list of other outside interests, including a passion for traveling. Following college graduation she and some friends traveled throughout Europe for a month.

“I’ve also traveled extensively in the Caribbean,” she noted. “And I’ve been to Peru, Ireland and Portugal. Jack and I traveled to Iceland together. That was a really super trip. We saw the Northern Lights, which was nearly surreal in beauty. I try to take a couple of major trips to new places each year.”

Her position with Dandrea Produce will likely increase her travel opportunities. She is eager to expand abroad, opening the door for increased business and more travel.

“I also love to read,” she said. “I’m currently involved with some friends in a book challenge to read 50 books every six months. This goes hand-in-hand with my constant quest for knowledge. Among my favorites are ‘The Godfather’ and ‘The Alchemist.’”

Her love of live music has driven her to hundreds of concerts over the years. Favorites include James Taylor, Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, Barry Manilow and Billy Joel.

The entire Dandrea family enjoys snowboarding. They take frequent trips together to the Pocono Mountains in the winter months to engage in the sport.

That’s not even close to the end of the extensive list of activities Dandrea enjoys. She and her cousin Jana are taking private boxing lessons several times a week.

“It’s a fun way to stay in shape, and we have the extra perk of learning how to defend ourselves,” she said. “We’re progressing nicely.”

And she enjoys event planning. The large Dandrea family provides her with endless opportunities to plan celebrations and get-togethers, and she enjoys entertaining at her own home.

The Dandrea men especially love to golf, so Lauren decided to take up the sport. She said, “They are teaching me how to play the course and work with my clubs. It’s a lot of fun, especially doing it with my family.”

Dandrea believes that increases in technology will continue to dominate the produce industry in the future, especially as related to food safety, farming, importing and exporting, and logistics.

“The demand for food-safety certifications and traceability initiatives are dominant today, and technology plays a significant role,” she said. “Dandrea Produce can now track every box of produce from the farm to the consumer, enabling us to be proactive in decision making.”

This all comes at a cost, she pointed out, much of which is passed on to farmers. Rising costs of labor, fertilizer and chemicals and attaining certifications make farming very difficult.

“These challenges are discouraging new growers from entering farming, and those who are well seasoned often want to close shop,” said Dandrea. “We are highly attuned to these issues.

“Our future is based on strengthening our existing partnerships with growers both domestically and overseas,” she continued. “This enables us to take full advantage of our vertically integrated business model, and it assures that customers receive the best possible produce year-round.”

Her goal is to be prepared, but flexible, to changing markets.

“Dandrea Produce has grown tremendously since its founding in 1917,” she said. “My father and his brothers were highly instrumental in its evolution. As a fourth-generation family member, I hope to help increase our strong financial position and take equity stakes in strategic areas as deemed necessary for our future growth.

“I am highly proud to be a part of a company with such a rich history, and I look forward to playing a role in its promising future,” she added.