LA QUINTA, CA - Creating a legacy is something many people strive for but is something that Prime Time International Founders Carl Sam Maggio and Mark Nickerson have truly done. After helping establish the company in 1992, the two Founders and Managing Partners have announced their retirement. As they depart, Mike Way and Jeff Taylor will step in as Managing Partners in the next phase of growth.

“Carl Sam, Mark, and the late Chuck Hodges founded our company in 1992 and are true titans of the produce industry. They made Prime Time into a leader in the bell pepper category, and we look forward to building upon their success,” said Way, Managing Partner. “Not only are Carl and Mark leaders in the industry, they are also generous in their support of our community and its many charitable organizations; we have learned a great deal from both men.”

With investments from AGR Partners, Way and Taylor will guide Prime Time into the next chapter of its evolution, a press release explained. Both men started their careers at Sun World before transitioning to Prime Time in 1992 and 1994, respectively, when they were called on by the company’s Founders. From there, Way and Taylor worked the sales desk, expanding the bell pepper category and eventually became Minority Partners.

“Although we are not related, we are family, and it is time for the generations to transition so our company can continue to grow and prosper,” added Taylor, who has stepped up during this transitional phase as a Managing Partner.

Through AGR’s investment, Prime Time will explore future growth opportunities and diversification of its portfolio to include new complementary produce offerings.

“We are grateful to partner with Mike and Jeff to increase their ownership of Prime Time, a company they have been managing for decades,” said Ejnar Knudsen, Chief Executive Officer of AGR Partners.

This leadership transition comes as Prime Time has experienced other recent growth, including the moving of its headquarters to La Quinta, California, a few miles from its original location in Coachella.

“We are excited to have our company in the La Quinta community, and we are ready to meet the demands of the future,” continued Way. “The produce business is ever-changing, and to survive, you must be prepared. Prime Time is built on a solid foundation and will continue to grow with the primary goal of providing premium produce items to our valued customers.”

Best of luck to all four leaders as they make their way down these new pathways in their produce industry careers!

Prime Time International