From bagging groceries at Kroger in high school to moving up the ranks to division-level produce and floral sales management, Ben Mossing is full of surprises and words of wisdom aplenty. Being a student in life and in his career has allowed for a path paved with amazing experiences, a passion for all things produce, and a leap from the buy-side to the supply-side. Learn more about this Director of Sales at Monterey Mushrooms and what makes him an MVP for our July Snack issue…
“Agriculture is a huge part of my life. Day-to-day is a lot like farming. Some days you are plowing the field, some days planting some seeds. On other days, you are praying for rain, while on some days you wish it would stop. Each day is growing your relationships, the business, and yourself.”
“Probably a bit of both. I had left Kroger and was working in Farm and Ranch/Hardware retail/category management, and I missed the produce life. Keeping in touch with connections I had made over the years allowed me to be considered for a Sales Manager position with Monterey Mushrooms, which led to my current role.”
“Respect, humility, inclusion, honesty, and winning.”
“I am very particular and passionate about my lawn. I do not golf (need lessons), but I built a TifGrand putting green on the side of our house that my kids enjoy.”
“Do what you love and always be learning. Also, don’t be too serious…this is produce, not launching the space shuttle.”
“Make it a point to listen to understand, as opposed to wanting to give an answer or a fix to something that may not even be a problem.”
“…be humble, flexible, and share their passion.”
"I cannot choose just a couple. Jeff, Marvin, Erin, Mike, Lawrence, Chris, Scott, Kenny, Rob, Dewayne, Mark, Randy, Joe, Brad, Jerry, John, Jeremy—all folks who have been a coach in my corner, invested in my development, and pushed me out of my comfort zone to grow. Without them in my professional life and my family, parents, and close friends in my personal life, I would not be where I am today." 
