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\\u201cSunbelt is really focused on three things: food, people, and relationships. When we hire people, we want to make sure that people fit that culture.\\u201d

Stacy Ward (14:13-14:21)

Stacy Ward is on the executive board of Coastal Sunbelt Produce. With decades of experience under her belt, Stacy is a super-focused and disciplined professional and\\xa0 mom, and she loves produce.\\xa0

After working for Sysco, Stacy met a salesperson for Coastal Sunbelt who thought she would be a good fit for their company.\\xa0

She knew it would be something different and a new challenge for her. At the time, Sunbelt was a small company, and Stacy was hired to manage a contract for a hotel division\\u2014something the company had never done before.\\xa0

\\u201cI didn\'t ever dream that I wanted to be in the produce industry. But this is a great industry. There are so many different things that one person can do in this industry.\\u201d - Stacy Ward\\xa0 (9:58-10:13)

Stacy\\u2019s Path to Leadership in the Produce Industry\\xa0

Within the first three to five years of managing that division, it was tremendously successful. The company was soon taking over 60% of the market in their area. They started hiring more people and expanding. The hotel division is now well over $25 million in annual sales. Stacy has worked her way up to having a seat in the boardroom and becoming a partner.\\xa0

In 2008, Stacy had the opportunity to manage more contract business in their multi-unit chain business. She had no idea what she was doing. but she was willing to learn and work hard every day to figure it all out.\\xa0

In 2010, Stacy was awarded a position on the board. She worked closely with the CEO and the partners on that board. She\\xa0 showed them that she wanted to learn, and she quickly realized she\\u2019d found the right place and wanted to continue to grow.\\xa0

Taking Care of the Coastal Sunbelt Team\\xa0

Coastal Sunbelt takes care of its team members as well as it takes care of its customers. The company has an on-site nurse practitioner who employees can turn to for healthcare needs at no cost.\\xa0

They provide a produce store where employees can grab some milk, eggs, or healthy produce.\\xa0

\\u201cIf we take care of our people and we take care of our customers, everything else will take care of itself.\\u201d - Stacy Ward (14:25-14:31)

The company\\u2019s traditional flag-raising ceremony recognizes the diversity of its team. It allows every employee\\u2019s home country to be represented at work. This is a source of pride for everyone whose flag is displayed.\\xa0

The company has an open-door policy that allows everyone to have access to every executive, including the CEOs and company presidents.\\xa0

At Coastal Sunbelt, everyone is treated equally and with respect. If you\\u2019re just starting your career in produce, or you\\u2019re considering getting started, Stacy reminds everyone of the importance of taking chances.\\xa0

Don\\u2019t be afraid to ask questions and get involved. The more you learn, the bigger the impact you can make in the industry and the world.\\xa0

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!\\xa0
• Reach out to us - we\\u2019d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.\\xa0

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we\\u2019d love for you to help us spread the word!