SPRINGDALE, AR - The fresh produce industry is rich with vibrant personalities, deep knowledge and experience, and an endless amount of passion and grit. Those leaders and fresh faces we see at shows, in stories, and across negotiating tables and dinner tables are some of the most committed and dedicated folks I have ever met.
If you know Mike Roberts, Vice President of Produce Operations at Harps Food Stores, you know all these attributes are true—and more.
Take a quick read with me as we find out a little bit more about the man himself.
Mike, what is one thing that not many people in produce may know about you?
I can juggle, for one thing. And I delivered pizza while in college before Google Maps! A couple other things not everyone might know, I can’t touch my toes standing up and I am deathly afraid of heights.
Who was one person who had an enormous influence on you coming up? And how did they impact you?
Glenn Brock, a Merchandiser with the old Malone & Hyde warehouse in Memphis, Tennessee—and then later with Associated Wholesale Grocers—had a big impact on my career. He taught me the basics of running a produce department when I was very young. The chain I was working for switched warehouses, and I didn’t see Glenn again until I was in my early 30s when he signed on with Associated Wholesale Grocers as a Regional Specialist dedicated to Harps.
I had been promoted to a Regional Produce Supervisor, and Glenn taught me the rest of the business at that point. From how to deal with managers and make them profitable to how to deal with warehouse managers and buyers, etc., I wouldn’t be where I am today without him!
What words to live by would you love to share with those who are currently in moments of growth?
Work hard, have fun, people matter, and give back!
What is it about produce that will always make you smile?
The crisp, clean look of a produce department fully set and ready to go in the morning or before a grand opening! I love it! It’s like art you can eat!
What keeps you up at night?
Not being able to feed the world. The population of the planet could reach 10 billion by 2050. We need to be better at sustainable farming and food waste by that time.
Thank you, Mike, for always being game! Stay tuned to ANUK for more from our friends across the industry.
