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Meet the 2023 FPFC Apprentices The 2023 Apprentice Class of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council has been named and the apprentices have begun their program. To introduce the FPFC membership to these potential future leaders, Fresh Digest asked each apprentice to answer a few questions about themselves and their personal journey to this place on their path. Alexis Storms Sales Executive JLZ Produce Salinas, CA Background: I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI, and moved to Virginia when I joined the Navy. My husband, who was also in the Navy, is originally from New York. At the end of our enlistments, we moved to Wisconsin, and both went back to school and started our family. I have a bachelor’s degree in education and an MBA in business & organizational leadership. I currently live in Northern Wisconsin on a small hobby farm with my husband and sons. We have four sons who are 21, 18, 17 and 12. Our oldest son is on active duty in the Navy, stationed on the West Coast. Our second oldest will enter the University of Montana this fall. Prior to coming into the produce industry, I spent many years working in the promotional products industry. My team handled all government accounts including local, state, federal and all military organizations. Primarily, I worked with Navy, Army, Marine, and Coast Guard and their licensing teams on their branding, artwork, and printed merchandise. FPFC Connection: What brought me to the produce industry was a passion for people and food. I have always been fascinated with all things natural, healthy and nutritious. When I came into the produce industry about a year and a half ago, I started following a variety of organizations and individuals who regularly spoke about and on behalf of the produce industry on social media. I did this to learn as much as I could and to begin networking. It was through these organizations and individuals that I found the Fresh Produce and Floral Council on LinkedIn. Initially I was hesitant to apply as I figured I would be one of the few who worked in Southern California but lived else- where. When I proposed the idea of applying to my supervisor, the founder/owner of our company, he was very supportive and encouraged me. This year, I was able to attend the FPFC Expo in April, and I am looking forward to attending the Organic Produce Summit in July, as well as the IFPA show in October. Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling, gardening, reading, and playing sports. We started the hobby farm to have more control over the food we were feeding our family. We have a variety of animals including cows, chickens, pigs and bees. In addition, we have built an aquaponics greenhouse, an orchard, many gardens, and berry patches and are currently working on a small vineyard. We enjoy making maple syrup in the spring and collecting honey through the summer. Our long-term goal is to continue to become more self-sufficient. 12