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Celebrating 35 Years — Vanguards Who Made a Difference: Steve Barnard
Two important lessons have paved the professional life of Steve Barnard, president and chief executive officer of Oxnard, CA-headquartered Mission Produce. First, “When you experience challenges and they knock you down, get back up and try again”, and secondly, “Always think bigger.”
These working pearls of wisdom were imparted to Barnard by J.R. Simplot of potato fame, whom Barnard knew personally and looked up to due to Simplot’s business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s no wonder that with this grounding guidance, Barnard forged his own path, spearheading and revolutionizing the avocado industry, and fruit industry, with his devotion to innovation and growth. In just 35 years, Barnard has created one of the largest avocado providers in the world with long-term, year-round retail and foodservice relationships throughout North America, Europe and Asia.