Jake Kamysz has joined Capespan North America as a sales executive.

Kamysz joins the company with seven years of fresh produce experience in sales and category management. As a sales representative, he will strengthen Capespan’s sales team and will take primary responsibility for the management of a number of retail and wholesale accounts.

A native of Buffalo, NY, and a graduate of Western Carolina University, Kamysz now lives in south Florida.

Capespan is one of North America’s premier fresh produce importers focused on citrus, table grapes, stone fruit, apples and pears from around the

Ron Carkoski, who died in early January at the age of 69, made his mark professionally by guiding the Four Seasons Family of Produce Companies through an aggressive period of growth during his close to a quarter of century with the organization, including as its CEO. But perhaps his biggest contribution was as a mentor, collaborator and advisor to many colleagues as he served the industry in numerous volunteer roles during his 45-year career.

“Watching him lead a meeting was an art form — he knew how to stimulate conversation and drive passion and engagement,” said Miriam Miller Wolk, the

For 40 years Jim Malanca has been at the helm of melon sales as an owner and integral leader of Westside Produce Co. This month he will step down from daily sales activities.

"Over the past four decades, Jim has made significant contributions to the melon industry, to the growth of Westside Produce and to the success of the TRI brand," said Steve Patricio, company founder. "We will miss Jim’s voice on the desk, but his hard work, dedication and commitment have laid a solid foundation for Westside Produce moving forward. We are grateful for his support and leadership.”

Malanca, who was born

Sbrocco International, a premier produce importer and distributor, has added a new sales team member at its Charlotte, NC, office. Matt Musgrave will be joining Sbrocco to assist and grow customer service and reach. He brings extensive retail experience, where he has worked at both the store and corporate level for the last 26 years.

Formerly with Food Lion, Musgrave will be based in Sbrocco’s Charlotte office.

“This was the right time and opportunity for us to continue to grow, and Matt was the right fit,” said Maclaren Oglesby, sales manager for Sbrocco. “He brings a passion for our

Pete Pappas & Sons added Kevin Benson and James McKinnis, two industry veterans, to its sales team. The Jessup, MD-based company said Benson and McKinnis are a dream-team duo for its rapidly growing organic sales division. 

Benson, organic commodity manager, brings new opportunity to PP&S and boasts three decades in fresh produce. Benson specializes in organics and citrus sales and purchasing, making him a perfect sales fit for the flagship Pete’s Garden Organics line. He brings knowledge from his positions through the years spanning multiple departments, culminating in director of purchasing

Wendy McManus of Connect 2 Potential can’t stop talking about the 16 enthusiastic college students who are part of the 2023 Southeast Top Agricultural Recruits Scholarship program.

"I've been blown away by this year's STARS," said McManus. "These students are passionate about agriculture and produce and are eager to make a difference in the industry. I think any company that is seeking fresh talent should check out their resumes and bios."

The STARS program from the Southeast Produce Council aims to support students who are pursuing careers in agriculture, while helping the produce industry