KANSAS CITY, KS - The fresh produce industry is rich with vibrant personalities, deep knowledge and experience, and an endless amount of passion and grit. Those leaders and fresh faces that we see at shows, in stories, and across negotiating tables and dinner tables are some of the most committed and dedicated folks I have ever met.

Here at AndNowUKnow, we are always inspired to learn more about the people behind the companies and the stories behind the names. In this article series, some of these trusted and recognized individuals join me to pull back the curtain on a life well-lived.

Please join me in learning a little bit more about Tim Graas, Produce Field Procurement, for Associated Wholesale Grocers. His commitment to fresh produce is as deep as his career is long—and we thank him so much for that.

Jordan Okumura-Wright: What is one thing people in the produce industry may not know about you?

Tim Graas, Produce Field Procurement, for Associated Wholesale Grocers: My working career started when I was 12 years old as a newspaper carrier for the Rocky Mountain News—starting at 4:30 a.m. before school, peddling a bike through the neighborhood, tossing newspapers, refining my skills at getting the papers to land on the front porch. I thought I got pretty good at it, but those neighbors who were awakened to the loud “thud” of the paper hitting their front door at 5:00 a.m. would probably disagree.

JO: Who was one person who had an enormous influence on you coming up? And how did they impact you?

TG: There have been so many that have influenced my career over the years, probably too many to mention, and I owe a huge thank you to all of them. But the one solid person who has been there through all the ups and downs was my Dad (and my mom, they are attached at the hip). They have always been there to provide support, guidance, inspiration, and mentorship that influenced many of my own decisions, motivations, and goals. And, maybe most importantly, they have been a great source of emotional encouragement during the toughest times. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

JO: Can you share some words to live by for those who are currently in moments of growth?

TG: Reflecting back upon my own career while also having the pleasure of helping develop the careers of the younger generations, I believe it’s important to relax, be yourself, and take one day at a time. Mathew 6:34 states, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

JO: What is the best part of your job?

TG: By far, the relationships and friendships this industry has afforded me over the years have been tantamount, followed by the ability to visit various growing regions and farmers around the world who put so much on the line to help feed the world’s population. We all fight the battles on a daily basis in what is really a small world of produce professionals, and there are so many good people in this industry!

JO: What keeps you up at night?

TG: Uncertainty. From food safety to tariffs to sustainability and more. As we become more and more of a global industry and farmable land gets to be less and less, how are we going to feed the population as we approach 10 billion souls on this earth in the not-to-distant future? Throw in all the supply chain disruptions, labor issues, and climate issues, and we have our work cut out for us.

JO: What life-changing moment completely altered the trajectory of your path?

TG: As many are aware, my family experienced a tragic loss of a child a few years ago. Prior to that massive life event, I was your typical aggressive, climb-the-ladder-of-success individual. But going through that seven-year battle, I learned so much personally and professionally. It made me realize that life truly is short, and maybe, for me, getting to the top isn’t all it’s cracked up to be if sacrificing family and friends and those enjoyable nuggets of life isn’t a priority. There are more important things in life. One of those: Hug those loved ones daily!

Our passions, experiences, loves, and losses are what connect us. We are here to tell your stories.

Please check out more in this series through our conversations with Mike Roberts from Harps Food Stores and Kim Andreason from Jason's Deli.