My name is Jonathan K. Steffy, some people like to call me JK. I’m from Southeastern Pennsylvania and am pretty much a regular guy except for one thing…

…I’m a produce dude. Produce is a passion for me! I love talking about it, eating it, selling it, studying the industry! So I guess I should just face it - I am a Produce GEEK!

How did you become the Produce Geek?

It all started in our family garden with my Dad. Shelling lima beans was not my favorite at the time, but I realized all these years later how much I love the idea of eating food you are connected with. In my teenage years I worked long (and fun) days each summer at a fruit and vegetable farm with a successful roadside stand (which is now a store). I was part of the planting, picking and selling of things like corn, melons, tomatoes and lots more. This experience taught me how to work hard and gave a good time doing it. I also learned that I like creating an environment that makes people want to try produce items and come back for more. During college I prepped and cooked produce in a restaurant kitchen. Studying business, I thought I was going to be an Operations Manager or Industrial Engineer – little did I know produce would become my calling.

The wholesale produce business is where I built my career. My ten years in Sales at a major fresh produce wholesaler has allowed me to become an expert in organic and conventional fresh fruits and vegetables, meet many key industry players and even earn a Produce Business Magazine Forty Under 40 award. I study my craft and devour new information. I really love to eat. Food has connecting powers. Produce is wholesome. It is great to be a part of wholesome connections.

I am a novice (i.e. learning from my mistakes) organic fruit and vegetable gardener. Cooking is another hobby. Cooking with my own fruit and vegetables is lots of fun. But when my golden delicious apples look too lousy to give to anyone – hey, I can always get nice ones at work!