Retail produce executives, merchandisers, managers, dietitians and other industry experts shared dozens of hours of invaluable insight during the first year of The Produce Retail Podcast.
Launched in October 2021, the weekly show features discussions on strategy and planning, leadership and communication, training and collaboration, merchandising and marketing, and much more.
The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, who recently started a new professional chapter as a consultant and project manager after years covering the industry as a member of the trade media.
Nickle founded the podcast with the vision to make it a place where produce retail professionals at all levels can share their own experiences and gain inspiration from their peers.
“Extremely addictive!”
The podcast has enjoyed the support of many guests, including several who have generously made repeat visits to give back to the industry for which they carry so much enthusiasm.
Scott Schuette, a longtime produce executive who has served in leadership roles with Fresh Thyme Market, Bashas’ and Sprouts Farmers Market, has provided unparalleled insider perspective for the podcast on topics including budgeting, ad writing, collaborating with other departments, and more. Schuette endorses the podcast as an easy way to stay current on retail produce.
“I truly value the inspiration and the outside-of-the-box thinking that this podcast provokes,” Schuette said. “Getting to see and hear industry experts from across the country talk about their experiences is priceless. Warning to all podcast viewers: These episodes are extremely addictive! They spark creative energy and strong conversations needed in today’s retail world.”
“It’s real. It’s fresh.”
Brian Dey, senior merchandiser and natural stores coordinator for Four Seasons Produce, has also joined the podcast on multiple occasions to discuss not only the art of merchandising – for which he is renowned in the industry – but also to share training best practices that heighten engagement and retention. Dey recommends the podcast as a one-stop shop for anyone in produce retail.
“What makes this amazing podcast so valuable is that it caters to all levels of the produce industry,” Dey said. “Clerk, manager, merchandiser, director, store or general manager – everyone can find information presented here useful and apply it to their lives and careers.
“There is so much information packed into every episode, in an easy-to-access format, with people just talking about what’s resonating with them,” Dey continued. “It’s real. It’s fresh. Whether you are new to the produce industry or a seasoned produce veteran, the topics covered are super informative, relevant, offer great information on next steps for career growth, and also serve as refresher courses for the throwback produce manager or merchandiser.”
First-year reflections
As The Produce Retail Podcast celebrates the milestone of its first anniversary, founder and host Ashley Nickle looks forward to many more inspirational conversations in the years to come.
“I won’t ever have enough words to adequately express my appreciation for the industry leaders at all levels who have been so kind to invest their time in joining me on the podcast and giving others the opportunity to learn from them,” Nickle said. “It’s been such a delight to create a platform where we can dive into behind-the-scenes best practices, break down the opportunities and the challenges of the current landscape, showcase successes, and just have fun talking produce.”
For more information, Nickle can be reached via email at
ashley@nicklegrowthstrategies.com
