We’re delighted to welcome as our guest in this episode Blake Lee, produce director of Rouses Markets. Blake’s career has also included stints at Bristol Farms, as the director of produce procurement, marketing, merchandising and supply chain; at Sprouts Farmers Market as a produce buyer; and at Henry’s Farmers Market as a produce manager. Blake also spent six years on the supply side of the business, with DLJ Produce, before joining Rouses last year.

In this conversation, Blake discusses his first year at Rouses, including converting acquired Winn-Dixie stores; fostering greater connection between produce managers and suppliers, including through a reimagined annual produce managers meeting; his definition of great supplier partnerships; the company’s first-ever Grape Fest; increasing competition in the Louisiana market; how he works to combat turnover; and more.

Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. Thanks for listening!

We&rsquo;re delighted to welcome as our guest in this episode Blake Lee, produce director of Rouses Markets. Blake&rsquo;s career has also included stints at Bristol Farms, as the director of produce procurement, marketing, merchandising and supply chain; at Sprouts Farmers Market as a produce buyer; and at Henry&rsquo;s Farmers Market as a produce manager. Blake also spent six years on the supply side of the business, with DLJ Produce, before joining Rouses last year.
In this conversation, Blake discusses his first year at Rouses, including converting acquired Winn-Dixie stores; fostering greater connection between produce managers and suppliers, including through a reimagined annual produce managers meeting; his definition of great supplier partnerships; the company&rsquo;s first-ever Grape Fest; increasing competition in the Louisiana market; how he works to combat turnover; and more.
Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. Thanks for listening!

The Produce Retail Podcast is the place for thought leaders in the industry to talk shop. Join us for conversations on strategy, business partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and much more. We'll have regular guests as well as more occasional visitors, and the goal is always to deliver conversations that inform, inspire and ultimately illuminate opportunities for growth. This podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, produce industry enthusiast and founder and CEO of Ashley Nickle Growth Strategies.  

The Produce Retail Podcast is the place for thought leaders in the industry to talk shop. Join us for conversations on strategy, business partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and much more. We'll have regular guests as well as more occasional visitors, and the goal is always to deliver conversations that inform, inspire and ultimately illuminate opportunities for growth. This podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, produce industry enthusiast and founder and CEO of Ashley Nickle Growth Strategies.&nbsp;&nbsp;