10 Questions With Our Produce Manager, Johnny — Hillsboro

With nearly four decades of experience in the produce industry, Market of Choice Produce Manager Johnny brings a lifelong appreciation for fresh food to the department each day. Inspired by lessons from his mother about healthy eating and choosing quality fruits and vegetables, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with customers, supporting local farmers and showcasing the incredible variety of produce grown throughout Oregon.

1. How long have you worked at Market of Choice, and what inspired you to build a career in produce?
   I’ve been with Market of Choice since March of 2025, and in the produce industry for 39 years. For me, produce has a nostalgic quality, as my mother taught me about healthy eating and the correct way to choose fruits and vegetables. I also greatly enjoy working with local farmers.
2. What does a typical day look like for you as a Produce Manager?
   From the moment we walk into the department in the morning, we’re straightening up and making sure every display looks fresh and full for our customers. There’s also daily inventory and ordering to do.
3. What do you enjoy most about working with fresh fruits and vegetables?
   I’m very impressed with the wide variety of produce we grow here in Oregon, and it keeps my job very interesting.
4. How do you decide which seasonal and local products to feature in your department?
   I stay up to date on what is fresh and available at our local farms each season, and order accordingly. We always have something unique to look forward to here in Oregon.
5. What do you look for when selecting high-quality produce for customers?
   We inspect everything that comes in from each vendor, and if it’s not up to our standard, we send it back. We want the best-looking, high-quality produce for our customers.
6. Is there a fruit or vegetable you wish more customers would try?
   Melons. We have a wide variety of melons that are often overlooked, but shouldn’t be!
7. What are some of your favorite ways to help customers discover or prepare unfamiliar produce?
   I like to cook, so when I see someone buying something out of the ordinary, I strike up a conversation about what they’re making. Sometimes I have something useful to add, and sometimes I learn something new from them. When customers ask me how to prepare a certain fruit or vegetable, I’m happy to share my recipes and knowledge.
8. How do you and your team keep the department fresh, inviting and well stocked?
   Keeping the department looking good starts by getting my team on the same page. I tell my team that if an item doesn’t look like something they’d eat, then don’t put it out. We also keep a close eye on the department throughout the day, as some produce will wilt or brown very quickly.
9. What is one thing customers might be surprised to learn about working in produce?
   People might be surprised to learn that I don’t know how to prepare or cook every type of fruit or vegetable. There are times when the customer and I learn together.
10. What makes your community special to you?
    The people who come into the store often keep to themselves, but when I approach them, they’ll really open up and engage with me. Most days, I have interesting conversations with a variety of people. I tell everyone I meet to bring their questions in!