John Powell Jr., Peter Rabbit Farms, Coachella, Calif. Director 1996-2012, 2022 | Member since 1977 (Cardinal Distributing Co.) It’s All in the Family By Tim Linden John Powell Jr. first joined the Western Growers Board of Directors when he just entered his 30s and was one of the younger chairmen when he took the helm in 2005. During his first stint as a director representing the Coachella Valley district, Powell served from 1996 to 2012. He was preceded on the board by his father John Powell Sr., who was a director from 1983 to 1995, and was elected chairman of the board in 1988. John Jr. recently rejoined the WG Board and has kept his name on the ballot for re-election. Powell explained that he very much enjoyed his
He is also excited about the diverse group of people on the current WG board and welcomes the opportunity to serve the industry again in that capacity. “It is not a homogeneous group,” he said. “It represents a good cross section of our industry.” As he looks back at his career and the industry he was born into, Powell said there have been many changes. On the top of the list, the “family business” concept that dominated the industry for generations is changing with consolidations, corporate ownership and private equity companies acquiring more and more family farms every year. While he notes that change, Powell believes it does give a company like Peter Rabbit Farms a competitive advantage. Necessarily, he said corporate farms and private equity ownership have many levels of leadership. “When you are family business, the operators, managers and decisionmakers are the same people. I think it is a
first run on the WG board and is ready to serve again if his colleagues in the desert district are like-minded. He admits that two Western Growers officials spurred his interest. “I live a few doors down from Albert Keck [the current chairman] and I thought it would be fun to serve on the board with my neighbor. Plus, I was the chairman in 2005 when Dave Puglia was hired,” he said. “I’m excited that he is the President and CEO and I’d like to help him in any way I can as a director.” As far as getting elected to the board this year, Powell said he leaves that up to his district colleagues who will determine if he is the best candidate. “I don’t plan to campaign,” he said. “I think the best thing to do is be a good steward for the industry. I think that is a characteristic that all board members should bring to the table.”
The Powells: Steve, Jake, John Sr., Garret, Collin, John Jr.
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JULY | AUGUST 2022
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