MONTEREY, CA - Passing by Lakeside Organic Gardens' booth at PMA Foodservice, my eyes were struck by the sheer bounty of produce. Naturally, I had to stop and learn more about the company’s organic offerings, and after speaking with Marliese McWherter, Creative Marketing Manager, to find out what made this show a must for the grower.

“This is our first time exhibiting,” she told me, even though the company has been growing for 22 years. “So, it was time to get into the foodservice industry.”

Showcasing over 50 organic items, Marliese outlined for me how Lakeside’s grower, Dick Piexoto, has managed to pull off the somewhat difficult task of growing organic items year-round.

“To grow organic is difficult at times, with Mother Nature and pest management […] but Dick has managed to pull it off,” Marliese shared.

Little wonder that he has become such an asset to the team, for he’s always out in the dirt, working hands-on in the fields every day.

To see the rest of our exclusive interview with Lakeside, watch our brief video interview above.

Lakeside Organic Gardens