Bridges Produce BB #:168499 is excited to be welcoming Rodrigo Velasquez to their sales and marketing team! “Rodrigo will be helping to round out our sales team here at Bridges Produce and will be managing some grower relations. We are very excited to bring his wide range of experience throughout many growing regions and produce categories.” says Ben Johnson, Bridges President.
Rodrigo comes to Bridges after 22 years in the fresh produce industry and a childhood spent on a farm in Chile.
“I grew up on a farm, so I’ve been around agriculture since I was a kid. I remember being a 12-year-old boy driving the farm tractor and my interest in produce never really stopped after that.” said Rodrigo. In 2001 Rodrigo started his produce career inspecting incoming vessels in the Port of Philadelphia and after a longtime interest in organics he became an organic retail buyer in 2007. For him, “knowing that farm workers are not being exposed to pesticides while working hard to grow wonderful organic fruits and vegetables” is one if the most important benefits of representing organics.
When speaking of his new role Rodrigo shared “I really like the people who work at Bridges and their commitment to organic agriculture. I am excited about connecting with growers and some good old friends from the retail world. I feel that I am at a point where the most productive years of my career are ahead, and I am looking forward to working with the vibrant organic community!” The Bridges team shares his excitement and sentiment “He has great technical knowledge of produce and is a great communicator and facilitator. That will be a valuable service to both our grower network as well as retail customers. His enthusiasm is contagious!” – Ben Johnson
When asked if he has a favorite commodity to sell Rodrigo answered with an resounding “Yes! I really like to deal with figs. They are super difficult to work with but they are amazing and there are so many people who have never had a fresh fig and seeing them try one for the first time is like seeing a life changing event happening right in front of me.”
To connect with Rodrigo Velasquez:
(971) 266-6906
