LAS CRUCES, NM - The SEPC Southern Roots Committee is honored to announce Mason Goolsby as the Southern Roots Member Spotlight for February 2025.

Please take a moment and get to know Mason!

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

"I would have to say my grandad ("GDaddy"). Not only was he an excellent family man and a man of God, but my GDaddy taught me the values of hard work and always lending a hand when you're able. He owned a business for most of his adult life, and despite officially retiring at 65, he continued to help my uncle run the business until just a few weeks before he passed away at the ripe age of 92 in 2021. I also have him to thank for my love of reading, as he used to carry me and my brothers to the library with him when we were little and always kept a stack of books next to his recliner. He was the glue of our family and is sorely missed!"

What's your favorite quote and why?

"Storms make trees take deeper roots." - Dolly Parton

We're certainly no strangers to "storms" in the fresh produce industry. 

"These challenges are different each day and are never fun to navigate, but I'm confident they are a large part of why we are such a tight-knit group of people. Life's storms have a way of testing relationships, but there is a lot to be said for weathering them together and coming out stronger on the other side. I consider myself very blessed to be a part of this group of ladies who join hands each day with the common goal of feeding and nourishing our neighbors near and far, no matter what challenges come our way."

What piece of technology could you not live without?

"No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to make a natural morning person out of myself, so I am useless without at least two - my sunrise alarm clock and a coffee maker."

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

"Play piano. I wasn't gifted with a singing voice, so I've always wanted to learn to play an instrument. Something about piano has always appealed to me, for whatever reason. Maybe one of these days I'll find a teacher!"

When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?

"30 minutes is about the perfect amount of time to take my dogs for a walk. Nothing beats a quick lunch break stroll on a work from home day, especially on a rare warm day in the winter! Sometimes a little fresh air, sunshine and movement gives me a better boost than an afternoon caffeine fix."

What is your favorite part of your career?

"I would say finding new and unique ways to engage with consumers, especially younger generations. My team and I are always making a conscious effort to think outside the box and from others' perspectives, and we have gotten to work on some fun and unique partnerships over the last few years as a result. I love that no two days, two seasons, or two years look the same. In terms of what I am working on or toward!"

What is on your bucket list that you would most like to do?

"I'm off to a slow start, but I would like to visit all the U.S. National Parks in my lifetime. Of course, I would love to cross off some international travel too, but I think we are incredibly blessed to have such a diverse and unique landscape right here at home that a lot of people take for granted. Plus, any day spent exploring God's creation and soaking up some sunshine is a great day in my book!"

What are you passionate about?

"Dawgs and dogs! I'm a proud University of Georgia alumna and die-hard Dawgs fan. I'm also very passionate about animal rescue and educating others about the need for spay/neuter, especially here in the Southeast. My two rescue pups, Olie and Remi, plus my parents' three, bring so much joy to my life. My heart breaks daily for the animals who aren't fortunate enough to know life the same love and care that mine do."

What is your favorite app or social media outlet?

"In true twenty-something form, I have to say TikTok. It's where I go for comedic relief, workout and recipe ideas, Christian inspiration, and more. It can certainly be a productivity killer if I let my scrolling go unchecked, but I think TikTok can be a great resource, especially for folks like me who have a short attention span."