Lessons learned

Here is a sentence I didn’t think I would ever write: This will be my last issue and editor's letter as the managing editor of Produce Grower magazine.

In May 2016, I was hired to work on Produce Grower and Greenhouse Management magazines right after graduating from Ohio University. These were markets that I didn’t know anything about — the only reason I found the job in the first place was because someone I knew from college posted a link to apply in an alumni group and I really wanted a job. I went in blind.

Looking back, I’m really glad that I did. Working on those magazines — and especially Produce Grower — changed my life. First and foremost, the people in the broader CEA industry are among the most dedicated and passionate people I’ve met in my life. The care put into their work stands out and sets a standard I want to match in my own work. The passion so many of them have for making the world a better place is admirable. These are people who have dedicated their life to a business, but also to a cause — to a world they want to see eat fresher, cleaner food. There is something everyone can learn from that.

There are far too many people in the industry to thank for their kindness and insights and willingness to answer often silly questions. But to highlight a few:

• Christopher Currey: Our resident hydroponic columnist who I will miss dearly for his wit and humor. I still will get that, but without having to chase him down for his column.
• Allison Kopf :Allison, who is going on her own career journey right now, has always been willing to talk and answer any questions I might have. One of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’ve come across.
• John McMahon: The co-founder of Better Future Farms, John is one of those people that gets it, both in terms of business and life.
• The Produce Grower team: Kelli Rodda, Allison Krieg, Chris Markham, Brian Wilgus and Kyle Castro. Thank you for making this a wonderful place to work. You and the others I worked with in my time at GIE Media have made it a place that feels hard to leave.

As I move onto the next step of my career, what I’ve learned here will stick with me. This has been a place where I’ve come to understand and value something that I didn’t even understand the scale of when I was hired back in 2016. Now, it is always going to be part of who I am. How cool is that?