EQiQ
to Qualified Professionals
Thoughtful introductions. Trusted relationships. Stronger connections for the produce industry.
The Foundation
At Joe Produce Search, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Over time, we have built trusted connections with exceptional professionals across the produce industry—individuals who are respected by their peers, successful in their current roles, and making a meaningful impact within their organizations.
Many of these professionals are not actively seeking a new opportunity. They are valued where they are, fulfilled in their work, and focused on continuing to grow. Yet, like many accomplished leaders, they are often open to hearing about the right next step when it aligns with their experience, aspirations, and long-term goals. Because of the relationships we have built, they trust us to bring those opportunities to them with discretion and care.
We hear a similar need from hiring leaders as well. Many want to stay connected to outstanding produce professionals who could strengthen their organizations, often before a formal search begins. They value having a trusted partner who understands both the industry and the individuals within it.
That is the foundation of EQiQ: Exclusive Quick Introductions to Qualified Professionals.
How EQiQ Works
EQiQ is a thoughtful, relationship-driven way to make timely, mutually confidential introductions between accomplished produce professionals and hiring leaders when there is a clear and meaningful fit. Because we are continually in contact with talent across the produce industry, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate introductions that might not otherwise happen.
What makes this approach especially effective is that it is built on genuine relationships. Through ongoing conversations with accomplished produce professionals, we gain a deeper understanding of their experience, goals, leadership style, and what may eventually make sense as a next step. That insight allows us to make thoughtful introductions with credibility and care, giving hiring leaders access to exceptional talent that may never surface through a traditional search alone.
What Sets EQiQ Apart
We Build Relationships
We stay in regular contact with exceptional professionals across the produce industry—earning their trust and understanding their goals.
We Create Opportunity
We make timely, mutually confidential introductions when there's a clear and meaningful fit—often before a formal search begins.
We Make an Impact
We help companies grow with the right talent and help professionals take the next step in their careers—with purpose and confidence.
Many of the strongest executives are succeeding right where they are. They are not job hunting, but they are often open to the right next chapter. A good executive search firm knows who they are before the market does.
EQiQ reflects what Joe Produce Search does best: cultivating trusted relationships and making meaningful introductions that move companies and careers forward.
Qualified Professionals, Carefully Introduced
EQiQ stands for Exclusive Quick Introductions to Qualified Professionals. We regularly connect with individuals who distinguish themselves among their peers and are open to considering the right next career move. Through this program, we make timely, mutually confidential introductions between proven talent and hiring leaders when the fit is right. When a candidate catches your interest, contact our team to learn more.
VP of Sourcing & Supply Chain
EQiQ Candidate
✓ 20+ years global produce leadership
✓ Farm-to-fork sourcing strategy builder
✓ Turnaround expert improving margins fast
A seasoned global produce executive with 20+ years of hands-on leadership across farming, importing, sourcing, distribution, food safety, and end-to-end supply chain management throughout the Americas. Known for building farm-to-fork sourcing strategies, strengthening grower partnerships, and negotiating large-scale contracts while protecting quality, compliance, and service. This leader has successfully driven profitability turnarounds in produce import and distribution environments. A strong fit for a CEO/GM or senior supply chain role within a mid-sized produce company seeking measurable profitability gains.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #105424924
VP of Operations
EQiQ Candidate
✓ Hands-on value-added operations leader
✓ Scales plants, improves yield, throughput
✓ Cuts labor, OT, boosts service
A plant-centric operations leader with deep experience in value-added produce and fresh-cut manufacturing, blending an engineering mindset with day-to-day floor leadership. This candidate has designed and scaled facilities, launched new value-added programs, and improved labor productivity, yield, and on-time service through disciplined planning. Known for systematically dialing in efficiencies: reducing overtime through smarter scheduling, improving shipping/receiving flow, and lowering avoidable costs. Well-suited for a VP Ops/COO-track role at a large processing operation.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #105466968
Commodity Account Manager
EQiQ Candidate
✓ 9 years exceeding sales targets
✓ Builds strong grower partnerships quickly
✓ Balances supply, demand, weekly plans
A results-oriented commodity account manager with nine years of consistent performance, known for exceeding sales targets while expanding market presence. This candidate excels at building durable grower relationships, navigating shifting market dynamics, and executing growth initiatives that improve both revenue and operational outcomes. Especially strong as a strategic connector between supply and sales. Ideal for a growing organization that wants a confident commercial operator who can strengthen partnerships and help scale profitable growth.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #343679423
Chief Revenue Officer
EQiQ Candidate
✓ CPG-to-produce growth accelerator
✓ Builds high-performing commercial teams
✓ Leads transitions; drives market expansion
A next-generation commercial leader who brings the speed and discipline of a CPG background to fresh and value-added produce growth. With broad experience across retail, foodservice, and international channels, this candidate is known for translating strategy into execution. They thrive in organizations at an inflection point. Best suited for a company seeking a modern, energetic CRO who can scale commercial capability and drive measurable expansion across channels.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #377905878
Sales-Driving President
EQiQ Candidate
✓ 20+ years produce executive leadership
✓ Change management and team developer
✓ Deep network; strong customer relationships
A highly regarded produce executive with 20+ years of leadership and a reputation for excellent references, deep industry relationships, and a broad network. This candidate brings strong experience across retail, wholesale, and foodservice sectors, with particular strength in customer relationships, program development, and leading teams through change. A strong fit for a President/GM-style role where relationship-driven growth, organizational development, and program excellence are essential.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #105431431
VP of Sales
EQiQ Candidate
✓ Hands-on leader; leads by example
✓ Develops teams; trusted brand ambassador
✓ Drives program execution and budgets
A dedicated, hands-on sales leader who prioritizes team development and leads from the front, serving as a strong brand ambassador internally and externally. Highly effective at connecting with diverse audiences and building a culture that supports performance, accountability, and customer trust. Especially strong in program execution and delivering results across the U.S. and Canada, including success with many major retail chains. A great fit for an organization that wants disciplined execution, strong leadership presence, and consistent customer outcomes.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #152411727
Retail Sales Expert
EQiQ Candidate
✓ 10+ years produce sales experience
✓ Import/distribution expertise, key commodities
✓ Wins new markets and expands lines
A high-energy produce sales professional with more than a decade of experience focused on importing and distributing key commodities to major retailers. Skilled in navigating complex sales cycles and building lasting relationships with top industry customers. Has a proven track record of penetrating new markets, expanding product lines, and hitting sales targets through consistent execution and customer-first relationship management. Best suited for a growth-minded team looking to deepen retail partnerships and accelerate revenue.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #223718788
VP of Ag Ops
EQiQ Candidate
✓ High-growth & turnaround operations exec
✓ Builds scalable ag operations systems
✓ Improves reliability, efficiency, profitability
A hands-on, systems-driven leader who brings structure to fast-moving agricultural organizations. Known for stabilizing performance, improving planning and accountability, and developing leaders who can sustain growth. Their approach combines field-level practicality with executive-level strategy and strong operational cadence. Best suited for companies needing a steady operational backbone who can tighten execution, guide teams through change, and build the foundation for scalable growth without sacrificing quality or culture.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #138806535
Ready to Connect?
Whether you're a hiring leader looking for exceptional talent or a produce professional open to your next chapter, we'd like to hear from you.
Contact Joe Produce Search