17 Years of History with The Produce Box

Hey y'all, Bailey, Director of TPB here! Today I am beyond excited to introduce you to our Chief Operations Officer and my closest collaborator, Laurel Bandiero. As you'll learn in this interview, Laurel has been with The Produce Box a whopping 17+ years and has seen this small business through every iteration. While her official title is COO, Laurel does a bit of everything. She's the first to jump in on the production line if we're down a staff member, the last to leave when there's a "fire" to put out, and the friendly face who keeps this small but mighty team humming along. You may have even talked with her on the phone when she's helped out Member Solutions if you've had an issue with your order!

In our interview, Laurel shares more about her tenure at The Produce Box, how she's adapted to new bosses these last couple years (my family!), and what was in her box this week. I hope you enjoy learning a little more about this powerhouse of a leader that we're so lucky to have on board! You can find Laurel's faves in the shop at 15% off this week in the "Laurel's Box" category.

So Laurel, I know it's been at least 15 years since you've been a part of The Produce Box. Do you know how long it's actually been?

Well, since the very beginning. I had to look it up earlier today because I wasn't sure, but I joined as a member in April of 2008. I was one of the first customers that signed up. And the very next spring, I started as a Neighborhood Ambassador delivery driver, and then just kind up kept working my way up. My role today is amix of leadership, people, and operations.

You've seen a lot of change in that time and been with The Produce Box through all of its iterations. What is one of your proudest moments?

That is the easiest question, and I still talk about this all the time. It was March 2020. We never had a supply chain problem. We never shut down. We worked every single day. I never missed a day of work. The most proud thing about that time was the waiting list that we had -- 6,000 people. People were scared, too scared to go to the grocery stores. There was hardly anything at the grocery stores back then, and we cleared that waiting list within a matter of weeks and started delivering fresh food to their doors.

That's incredible. A couple years ago, you experienced some more change when my family took over ownership of The Produce Box. What has been some of the change that's come in the last couple years, and what has made you stay despite new bosses?

Well, the biggest change was moving warehouses to the State Farmers Market last year, but that's so perfect for who we are, and we love being here. It's so nice to walk down and visit the Market, just like any other customer would, and know that we're already delivering all of those things to people's homes. The change with your parents -- and you! -- was very easy because of the kindness and warmth and how you've supported us in staying true to our mission by supporting local and neighbors delivering to neighbors.

What's one thing you'd love members or perspective customers to know about our team at The Produce Box?

Well, I don't know if a lot of people know that we're woman-owned. It's mostly women who run this company, myself included, and most of the folks that work on our production team are women. Our Logistics person is a woman. Our Member Solutions team member is a woman, and most of our Neighborhood Ambassadors are women. And I am really proud of that. I work with the smartest, most talented people that I know.

I love that. So, Laurel, you've tried a lot of Produce Box products in your day. What was in your box this week?

That's my favorite part of the week, is getting to order and deciding what I'm going to have. So I was super excited about the Organic Purple Beans, so those are in my box. I got a dozen Latta's eggs, as always, and I love Joyce chicken. We don't eat any other chicken in my house. So I got some Joyce farm chicken breasts, and I have some chocolate milk, because my 20 year old still loves chocolate milk, so I have some for him when he comes to visit. And what else did I have in there? Oh, a Fruit Box, because we eat fruit like crazy, plus the Pesto Pasta bundle. I love the bundles because it's a quick way to grab multiple items for a simple meal at a discount.

Thank you, Laurel!

I'm so excited for you all to learn a little more about someone who cares so deeply about the food and service that we deliver to your door. It truly is our pleasure and joy to do so!