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The Class Of 2019: Produce Business 40-Under-Forty
Winners of our annual 40-Under-Forty awards program should be
truly honored because they were chosen by
their fellow industry mentors. Produce Business conducted an extensive, widespread search to elicit nominations for top young leaders. The search involved communication with thousands of execu- tives, consultants, associa- tions and universities.
This year’s winners
are exemplified by
an outstanding array
of community involvement. They have demonstrated an extremely high degree of giving back to the people and places that have helped them reach their current positions. We had far more nominations than we could use. Indi-
vidual candidates were contacted to highlight their key company, industry and community accomplishments, sharing meaningful examples
of how they have been leaders, as well as their goals and aspirations.
If you were not chosen this year or if you nomi- nated someone who was not selected, please under- stand that the process
was highly selective, and we encourage you to re-submit updated nomi- nations for next year’s
competition. We encourage everyone to alert Produce Business of well-deserving candidates and to help praise and support future produce movers and shakers as we look forward to honoring 40-Under-Forty leaders in 2020.
WENDY ALSUM-DYKSTRA, 36 Chief Operating Officer/ Logistics And Maintenance Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc. HQ: Friesland, WI
Hometown: Friesland,WI
Hobbies: Boating, water sports, Christian school board member and treasurer, Sunday School teacher, runner
Personal: Married, two daughters
Motto in life: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. – Winston Churchill Work history: Alsum-Dykstra grew up working at Alsum, alongside her father, Larry Alsum, sister Heidi, and other family members. She worked grading potatoes in middle school and later assisted in sales, administrative, and accounting support in
high school and college. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-White- water, she worked as an auditor for Grant Thornton, LLP. In 2010, she rejoined the family business in finance and accounting, working to develop key performance indi- cators and jointly leading the company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software implementation. In 2017, she was promoted to oversee operations for Logistics and Main- tenance divisions. She currently serves on the Produce Marketing Association’s Audit Committee and formerly served on the PMA’s Budget and Finance Committee. She was a member of the 2019 Potato Industry Leadership Institute.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry?
I grew up working in and being exposed to all aspects of the family business. My father has been a hardworking, incredible role model for me with a passion for the produce industry. I am excited to be a part of a busi- ness that feeds Americans with potatoes, onions, fruits and other vegetables.
Q: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of in your career?
Helping implement a new (ERP) soft-
ware system in 2016-2017. This was a big project that would not have been successful without a lot of hard work by a dedicated team. I co-led this project with our CFO and enjoyed the opportunity to work with and learn from people in all departments to configure the system and create standard operating procedures.
Q: What was the “aha” moment when you knew the produce industry was the best choice for you?
I feel blessed to be working alongside my dad and sister and so many other great people. After returning to the family busi- ness, I have an even greater appreciation for my father’s knowledge, experience, leader- ship and passion for the Alsum companies and the produce industry.
Q: What do you see as the most critical “hot button” issue facing the industry in the next decade?
From farming to packing to shipping, employers are experiencing labor shortages. There has been an increasing demand to automate in order to combat shortages. The industry needs to work together to find a viable solution for agricultural immigration reform and efficient transportation.
Q: How has the industry changed during your tenure?
The produce industry has seen increasing regulation and audits in food safety, trace- ability and social compliance. These regu- lations help to provide both consumer and employee safety and enhanced transpar- ency and traceability through the supply chain.
Q: What would you like consumers to know about the industry?
The produce industry is made up of many hardworking individuals. The average consumer does not understand the amount of effort and care involved in handling fresh produce from harvesting on our farms to packing to delivering to the retailer.
Q: Do you see the produce industry as a united front, or is it more about the particular items or silos?
In the produce industry, we all deal with similar issues and challenges. By working together on key issues and challenges, we have the opportunity to support each other as well as learn from one another.
PRODUCE BUSINESS / JUNE 2019 / 19