A Seed is Planted
When Roger Zardo started JLZ Produce, he knew what he wanted it to stand for: caring for family farmers along with their soil that grows our food, upholding the highest standards of organic quality and food safety, while maintaining a smaller carbon footprint.
This perspective was cultivated from where he came from—Salinas, CA, where careers in produce are practically inevitable. Luckily, he had the privilege to work with some of the most knowledgeable buyers and quality control in the industry. Through the years, Roger developed an unparalleled foundation of knowledge throughout the produce supply chain. This led to a philosophy that he continues to share with his brothers, Michael and Cody, to this day: “It’s not about the best price, but the best product for the price.”
It’s About Cultivating Relationships
Our mission has always been to help small family farms have access to a fair and consistent market for their produce. Our grower partners’ dedication to quality shines through in the care they give the land. In return, this results in top-quality produce we are proud to supply to our customers. These growers are true stewards of the land–their commitment and pride is evident in their products.
We follow the highest U.S standards for organic produce, which is why we place such emphasis on our connections with our growers. Our relationships with some of our small family farmers go back almost two decades. And by providing our grower partners with a sustainable price for their products, we ensure continued support of local farming culture.
We Want What You Want
We believe by focusing on a few organic products, we can keep our standards high and maintain oversight throughout our operation. This is how our years of experience in produce procurement can help you: we take the time to understand what our customers want, and we deliver it. Quality products, organic and food safety certifications, transparent communication, flexible logistics, and competitive pricing, all while keeping our customers in mind from the farm to the loading dock.
Our Farming DNA
Our commitment to supporting family-run farms begins with our roots in the Salinas Valley, where we grew up surrounded by fields of the freshest produce in the world. So it was a natural fit when Roger Zardo founded JLZ Produce along with his wife and parents in 2013, and since then it has continued to grow.
Roger Zardo
Owner/CEO
When Roger entered the world of organic produce, he had no idea the profound impact the industry would have on him. He’s had firsthand experience in just about every aspect of it, starting with laying irrigation pipe, moving to procuring produce at retail, then working in produce sales. With this solid foundation, Roger has been able to nurture strong relationships with growers and develop a respect for sustainable, organic growing practices. In addition working on both sides of the produce procurement field has helped him gain a deep understanding of what buyers are looking for from their suppliers.
Michael Zardo
Chief Operations Officer
After graduating from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science in food science and nutrition focused in enology, Michael spent the next 20 years as a winemaker. Working closely with the small family farmers who tended the vineyards, paired with his childhood in the Salinas Valley, has given Michael an eye for detail in agriculture. With this foundation and a desire to explore more of the agriculture industry, he eagerly joined the family business when the opportunity arose.
Alexis Storms, MBA
Sales & Marketing Executive
After spending 4 years active duty Navy, Alexis completed a BS Education and a MBA in organizational leadership. Her career since then has been largely focused on sales & marketing working with government organizations. In her spare time, she owns & runs a hobby farm in Wisconsin with her husband & 4 sons. Her passion for organics, farming and understanding of business and sales operations make her a perfect fit on the family-oriented, grower-relationship-focused team at JLZ Produce and River Road Organics.
Cody Zardo
Inside Sales
Like his two older brothers, Cody grew up in Salinas. He began his career in the brewing and wine industries; then, as JLZ Produce was looking to expand and grow, he jumped at the opportunity to join the family business. We have always been a close family, so Cody couldn’t be happier to work with his parents and brothers, furthering the family dream of making quality organic products available to people who want good food and helping small family farms get their produce to the stores and your home.
Sharon and Roger Zardo, Sr.
The matriarch & patriarch of this family-centered team are the parents of Roger, Michael, and Cody. With a wealth of experience in business, and particularly the grocery and produce industries, their story began at Safeway, Nob Hill and eventually led to running the family business, Zardo’s Daily Market, until it’s closure in 1985. Roger Sr. started as a butcher, which gave him a great eye for detail and precision. Sharon has experience in banking and with the US Postal Service, which makes her well-equipped to manage accounting and HR responsibilities. In 2014, Roger approached them at the family’s kitchen table with the idea for a new business venture, and right there and then, JLZ Produce was born.
In 2021, both Cody and Michael joined JLZ Produce and River Road Organics, giving their parents an exciting gift—a true family business to enjoy and nurture with their sons.
Nick Woiczechowski
Account Manager
Nick is a father of 3 boys that was born and raised on Long Island, NY. He started his produce career in the hunts point produce market at E. Armata as a picker and quickly worked his way up to foreman. After spending 5 years in the wholesale business, he then moved onto the retail aspect of the produce business and learned sales and merchandising in various grocery chains in the US. Nick is now excited to learn more about the importer side of the business and bring value to JLZ with his experience.
Patrick Kelly
Sales
Graduated from Longwood College with BS in Biology & Earth Sciences. Joined a college friend’s family produce business in Washington DC and produce career took off from there. Began as warehouse manager, eventually becoming a shipping supervisor. Became an organic purchasing supervisor from 2000-2018. Since then he’s enjoyed the challenge & excitement of sales & marketing in the organic produce business.
Debra Boyle
Sales
Debra loves turmeric, ginger, shallots and garlic . She believes these should be in your daily routine for optimal health. She has been involved in the Organic Produce industry in the US, Canada and Jamaica since 1978.
Organic Market Farmer 1978-1983
Organic and Natural Food Buying Club Operator 1981-83
Agora Food Coop Assistant Store Manager 1983-1987
Wild West Organic Produce 1987-1990
Founder and CEO Pro Organics March 1990 – 2006
SeaSand Eco Villas January 2008 – April 2024
One People Organics October 2016- ongoing
JLZ Produce 2022- ongoing