Weekend Interview Quote Match: Answers

And we’re back! Hope you enjoyed this bit of summer fun from our Weekend Interview series! Let’s see how well you did: if you got them all right, you’re beyond amazing and likely an emperor of networking or perhaps you’ve worked in recruiting.

For 8 out of 10, a significant achievement as well, top notch; for 6 or 7, you’re on the right track but need to read more Weekend Interviews; if you only got half or less correct, then you need a deep dive into all Blueprints content, from Weekend Interviews to features, columns, and spotlights.

Without further ado, the answers are in both of the sections below: with the quote number next to the name and the name after the quote. Be sure to read the full interviews, then try to find these amazing folks at the next trade show!

Weekend Interviewees in alphabetical order by first name:

• Albert Perez, Continental Fresh, LLC — #8
• Andy Hamilton, Markon Cooperative, Inc. — #3
• Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA — #7
• Ed Bertaud, IFCO & The Fresh CrEd — #9
• Josh Wolff, The Ruby Company — #6
• Mark Smith, Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market — #1
• Miriam Wolk, International Fresh Produce Association — #2
• Paul Jaffa, Global Harvest Produce, LLC — #4
• Rick Nahmias, Food Forward — #5
• Zak Laffite, Wonderful Citrus Cooperative — #10

Who said what:

1) There’s something grounding about working in a place where the mission is tangible. We move food, we feed communities. — Mark Smith, Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market

2) I travel every opportunity I can—I’m a people person, and in-person interaction is where I thrive. — Miriam Wolk, International Fresh Produce Association

3) I don’t think anyone would describe the job as glamorous, but I learned you had to move fast and act urgently in produce. — Andy Hamilton, Markon Cooperative, Inc.

4) I was able to continue working in a field of service, this time by helping provide fresh, healthy produce to families and communities. — Paul Jaffa, Global Harvest Produce, LLC

5) The mix of storytelling and hands-on kitchen experience shaped how I think about food access, food waste, and the human cost of feeding the country. — Rick Nahmias, Food Forward

6) The old mindset that produce is purely a commodity category—that it’s just about supply—is antiquated. — Josh Wolff, The Ruby Company

7) It was remarkable how quickly I fell in love with the industry—the people, the products, and its dynamism. — Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA

8) That’s the sweet spot: it proves our purpose-based business model can provide a win for every stakeholder. — Albert Perez, Continental Fresh, LLC

9) Most good outcomes start and end with people. Lead with integrity, be consistent, and remember that work and life don’t have to be at odds. — Ed Bertaud, IFCO & The Fresh CrEd

10) While pomology didn’t come naturally to me at the outset, I always knew agriculture was where I wanted to build my career and future. — Zak Laffite, Wonderful Citrus Cooperative

Thanks for participating!