NORTH AMERICA - My silver-lining during this crazy time is that the disrupt in our world has also given us the gift of time. COVID-19 has created both challenges and opportunities as shelter-at-home, quarantining, and working remotely have kept the industry bustling, but at a distance. Many of our industry friends have found themselves in some “interesting” spaces, and some unexpected ones as well. Check out what some of our members had to share, and also what Dick Spezzano, Brett Burdsal, and more have been up to in case you missed it!

Monina Knox, Produce Sourcing Specialist and Consolidation Lead, Sobeys

“I am now addicted to working in my pajamas and doing projects on my Cricut^®. Even better, I have saved a lot on gas not driving to the office.”

Randy Giumarra, Vice President of Sales, Giumarra Vineyards

"The shelter-in-place mandate has been one of the best things for me personally in my entire life. In the past four months, I’ve started making some delicious homemade Pinot Noir, learned how to play the guitar, and picked up speaking conversational Spanish and Italian. On the weekends I’m teaching live Peloton spin classes and taking Tango dance lessons with my wife. RIGHHHHHT—I have four kids and a family business. But, I did drink more wine, learn how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb on the guitar, cooked more Italian food and either went for a bike ride with my kids or a long walk with my wife every evening, which was definitely the highlight of my day!"

Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations, Harps Food Stores Inc.

"There are many things that I have learned during this time. I need bigger ears, for one! My mask always falls off. My hands, I think, have a permanent layer of hand sanitizer on them. Two showers a day is kinda cool! My wife can cook AND I miss movie theater popcorn!"  

Jaime García, General Manager, Kingdom Fresh

"During all the COVID-19 restrictions, I have been working on my grilling skills. Turns out I know a thing or two about fire and temperatures—LOL. I also became a Robinhood—a stock trading app—addict."

Feeling like sharing some of your new or reinvigorated hobbies and activities? Shoot me a note at [email protected] and let’s celebrate and chuckle together!