Garland Perkins, Fresh Endeavors Consulting, LLC

Garland Perkins has an impressive tenure in the fresh produce industry, having worked at well established companies in marketing, business development, strategy, innovation, and sustainability. She’s now sharing her experience and expertise through her new business, Fresh Endeavors Consulting, LLC, based in Clemson, SC. We talked to Garland about the new venture, why the timing was right, and her overarching goals for this career move.  

Q: Tell us about your background and originally planned career choice.

After graduating from Clemson University, I joined Sherwin-Williams’ management trainee program, which led to a role as assistant store manager. However, I quickly came to understand the importance of being genuinely passionate about the products you represent—and for me, that passion didn’t lie in paint.

At the suggestion of a college friend, I began exploring opportunities in the Greenville, SC area and was introduced to Francis Produce, a local business owned by one of their family friends. I landed a sales position there, which turned out to be an incredible blessing—it was my entry point into the fresh produce industry. I was immediately hooked and I haven’t looked back since.

Q: Walk us through the major milestones in your produce career and mentors who helped lead the way to Fresh Endeavors Consulting.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had many mentors throughout my career—people who generously shared their time, insights, and guidance. While pursuing my graduate degree at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA, I took a produce marketing class taught by Tonya Antle.

One of the best professional decisions I ever made was asking her to coffee after class one day. Tonya became a pivotal mentor early in my career, helping me navigate opportunities, build my network, and sharpen key skills.

Jill Overdorf has also been a mentor and friend for many years, providing a listening ear and helpful encouragement that has contributed a great deal to my professional journey.

During my nearly 13 years at Oppy, I was equally fortunate to be supported and challenged by several remarkable mentors, including Karin Gardner, James Milne, Jason Fung, Eric Coty, and Audrey Desnoyers—among others.

Their encouragement and example helped me grow tremendously, both professionally and personally. As a result of their influence, I’d like to think I contributed to the company along the way.

And above all, my most enduring mentors have been my parents. I am who I am because of them.

Starting my own company was something I thought about for years before finally taking the leap. I loved my job, my colleagues, and the company I worked for—there was truly no reason to leave.

Q: Has fear ever held you back? How did you prepare for going out on your own?

I’ve absolutely experienced fear at times—usually right after volunteering for a project or initiative that’s outside my comfort zone. But once I dive in, I often find the process invigorating. The challenge becomes exciting, and the end result is typically something I’m proud of, both for the outcome and the personal growth along the way.

In moments of uncertainty, I’ve leaned on the support of my husband, Jordy, and my parents. Talking things through with them often helps me reframe the situation strategically, which has a way of turning fear into forward momentum.

Starting my own company was something I thought about for years before finally taking the leap. I loved my job, my colleagues, and the company I worked for—there was truly no reason to leave.

But when my mom unexpectedly went to heaven in October 2024, it shifted my perspective on life. Her passing reminded me how precious time is and inspired me to take a chance on myself. As my grandpa used to say, it was time to “bet on myself” and see what I might be capable of achieving.

Q: How did you know the timing was right, and how did choose your company name?

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure the timing was right. After months of thoughtful analysis and reflection, I ultimately chose to take a leap of faith. I was incredibly fortunate to land an amazing client right at the start—an opportunity that felt truly God-given. I took it as a sign that I was on the right path.

I spent a lot of time considering the name of my company. I wanted something that reflected the value I hope to bring to my clients—a fresh perspective and an open-minded, strategic approach to advancing projects and initiatives they may not otherwise have the time or capacity to execute.

My hope is to play a small role in helping them grow, elevate their work, and move their business forward.

“No matter how busy you get, never stop reading the trade press.”

Q: Mentors have played a role in your evolution, is there one overriding takeaway or specific advice that helped shape your future?

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career. A few pieces of advice that have shaped my path include: “Find an area of the business that needs a champion, raise your hand, and go after it,” and “No matter how busy you get, never stop reading the trade press.” Both have guided me in staying proactive, informed, and engaged.

Another pivotal area of growth for me has been public speaking. Early in my career, my husband and I joined a local Toastmasters club to refine our skills, and it proved to be one of the best professional investments. Over time, I became a go-to speaker within my company and across the industry, which opened up many opportunities along the way.

Q: Have you served as a mentor yourself?

Absolutely. Whenever I have the opportunity, I do my best to “pay it forward” by mentoring others in the industry—especially students and early-career professionals who are just starting to navigate their paths.

I’m a proud product of IFPA’s Career Pathways Program, which played a pivotal role in helping me land my first position at Oppy. That experience left a lasting impression, and I’m committed to giving back whenever I can.

I also currently serve on the Southeastern Produce Council’s STARS Committee, which has been incredibly rewarding. It’s an honor to play even a small role in introducing agriculture students to the exciting possibilities within the fresh produce industry.

Q: There are quite a few fresh produce consultants, how are you different?

There are many consultants in the fresh produce industry, each bringing unique strengths and filling different niches based on the evolving needs of the sector. I’m very transparent with my clients about the specific value I offer and, when appropriate, recommend other consultants for areas outside my expertise.

My focus is on helping companies execute strategic projects and initiatives without pulling internal teams away from their day-to-day responsibilities. I specialize in strategic planning and project management for innovation and sustainability—two areas that are still emerging and less defined compared to functions like marketing or analytics.

Many produce companies are just beginning their journeys in these areas, and I aim to support them in building a strong foundation and making meaningful progress both in the near term and over the long run.

Additionally, I work with fresh produce industry trade associations, providing a range of support services including education development, content creation, and strategic planning—all designed to advance their missions without disrupting daily operations.

Q: Is there a specific goal or elusive achievement you’ve always wanted but have yet to accomplish? 

Before I retire, my hope is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the fresh produce industry. While it may sound like a broad goal, at its core, it reflects my deep gratitude for an industry that has given me so much. I’m committed to giving back in ways that help move the industry forward and support the people and organizations within it.

As for work/life balance, I do my best. There are certainly days when things feel out of sync—times when my family needs more of me, and others when work takes the lead.

Q: What’s your best advice for women who want to be entrepreneurs? Is there such a thing as work/life balance?

Entrepreneurship and work/life balance are both ongoing learning experiences for me. I’ve found that the network I’ve built over the past 15 years in the industry has been instrumental—not only in giving me the confidence to start my own business, but also in helping me secure clients, all through referrals and long-standing relationships.

I’m a strong believer in cultivating a genuine, professional network and making sure it’s a two-way street—supporting others in their journeys just as they’ve supported mine.

As for work/life balance, I do my best. There are certainly days when things feel out of sync—times when my family needs more of me, and others when work takes the lead.

But my husband and I are deeply aligned on our values: staying grounded in faith and prioritizing our family. Those principles guide how we make decisions and help us as we strive to stay centered, even during busy or extremely challenging seasons.

Q: What else would you like to share with readers?

I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the fresh produce industry and proud of the collective progress we’re making to move it forward. As anyone in this space will tell you, it’s an industry built on exceptional people—many of whom I’m fortunate to call true friends.

I’m especially passionate about the growers who form the backbone of our industry. They are the foundation of everything we do, and it’s vital we work together to ensure a sustainable path forward for them—both environmentally and economically—so the entire industry can thrive for generations to come.