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.
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.
Director of National Sales
EQiQ Candidate
› Branded produce & consumer products executive
› Expands retail reach across diverse markets
› Builds disciplined, results-focused sales teams
A versatile commercial leader with extensive experience growing fresh produce and consumer brands through major retail channels. This executive understands how to tailor sales strategies to different customers and markets while balancing direct relationships with outside sales partners and distribution networks. Known for building capable teams, bringing structure to commercial planning and using market information to uncover opportunities. This leader could help an organization broaden its customer base, strengthen its market presence and create a more scalable approach to growth.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #398232720
VP of Sales
EQiQ Candidate
› Fresh produce sales & marketing leader
› Builds strategic customer programs
› Connects market opportunity with supply
A collaborative, growth-minded commercial leader with extensive experience across fresh produce sales, marketing and category development. This executive understands how to translate customer needs and market insights into programs that benefit both the business and its supply partners. Known for building trusted relationships, developing capable teams and bringing a thoughtful approach to planning and execution. This executive could help a produce organization deepen customer partnerships, sharpen its commercial strategy and pursue thoughtful, sustainable growth.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #250836916
COO/ AG Ops Expert
EQiQ Candidate
› Respected agricultural & grower relations leader
› Connects field realities with business priorities
› Builds enduring partnerships across the supply base
A grounded, highly experienced agricultural leader with a strong understanding of farming, crop performance and grower partnerships. This executive brings the perspective of someone who has worked both alongside growers and from within large-scale farming organizations, creating uncommon credibility in the field. Known for sound judgment, practical problem-solving and a humble, relationship-centered leadership style. This leader could help a produce company strengthen its grower network, navigate production challenges and build agricultural programs that support quality, consistency and long-term success.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #412221616
President / General Manager
EQiQ Candidate
› Growth-focused produce & consumer brands executive
› Brings commercial and operational leadership together
› Strengthens profitability, accountability & culture
An accomplished senior executive with broad experience leading produce and consumer-focused businesses through growth and change. This leader understands how sales, operations, supply and financial performance must work together to produce sustainable results. Known for evaluating complex situations, identifying opportunities and creating greater discipline across an organization. This executive offers the breadth to lead an entire produce business, strengthen its leadership team and create greater alignment across commercial, operational and financial priorities.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #413197988
Chief Commercial Officer
EQiQ Candidate
› National retail & branded produce executive
› Builds and scales high-value sales platforms
› Drives revenue, customer growth & team performance
A people-centered, commercially focused leader with extensive experience serving major retailers and growing produce brands. This executive combines strategic account leadership with a practical understanding of customer needs, market opportunities and day-to-day execution. Known for strengthening important partnerships, creating greater focus within sales organizations and bringing teams together around shared goals. This executive would bring immediate value to a produce organization looking to expand national accounts, strengthen commercial structure and remain closely connected to customers and execution.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #222742147
CEO / President
EQiQ Candidate
› Guides established companies through next-stage growth
› Builds capable, aligned leadership teams
› Brings structure to succession, growth & change
A seasoned business leader with strong sales and marketing roots and a clear understanding of what it takes to move an established organization forward. As a strategic member of the C-suite, this executive knows how to evaluate existing talent, strengthen leadership, introduce the right level of structure and create greater alignment across the business. Particularly valuable during periods of succession or transition, this leader can honor what made a company successful while preparing its people, processes and culture for the opportunities ahead.
This introduction is confidential. Please contact the Joe Produce Search team for more information.
Ref #105475311
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
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
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.
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.
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