DELANO, CA - I’d never worked with John Pandol before, but when we connected to write “The Making of Fresh Produce’s Jekyll and Hyde,” I instantly knew John’s was a voice I couldn’t stifle. With trademark candor, the Director of Special Projects for Pandol Bros. utilized his industry know-how to win himself the Besties for the Annual Snack Storyteller Award.

“To say it as a marketer, ‘I differentiated my authentic self enough to stand out in the minds of the panel of industry peer judges,’” John told me, before following that sentiment up with an all-caps, “YES! Spike the ball and do the silly end-zone dance. It feels good every time I receive an attaboy.”

John doesn’t shy from the spotlight, given that he puts out a lot of content across press, social media, conferences, and policy papers. Suffice it to say, he’s had time to demonstrate his aptitude for thought leadership.

“I shouldn’t be learning about my business from the media; the media should be learning about my business from me. Even in the fourth quarter of life, I want to continue to be that guy,” he explained. “I want to continue to provide rigorous analysis, relevant insight, and bust myths. My brother Louis was this quiet figure in the corner for years…..yet the know-it-alls always asked him questions….now he’s treasured for his observations and vision in his areas. That’s thought leadership. When your competitors poach your opinions so they sound more informed.”

I didn’t say trademark candor for nothing!

Naturally, I had to ask John about his thoughts on our magazine as a vehicle for produce storytelling—coming from the winner of the storyteller award himself.

“The Snack is a buffet of bite-sized treatments, revealing the lighter sides of industry personalities with a touch of whimsy,” John concluded.

Well, don’t you want to read about how whimsical John can be? Click here if you dare.

Congratulations again to Mr. John Pandol!

Pandol Bros.