Produce Processing 7: Q+A with Katy Blowers

Katy Blowers has been an active member of the produce industry following her graduation from Cal Poly University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business and management. Her industry experience includes procurement for a national foodservice organization, transportation sales and, for the past nine years, marketing and project management for Church Brothers in Salinas, California.

Since joining Church Brothers, Blowers established an in-house transportation company and recently took on a business development role. She is a graduate of the United Fresh Leadership Class 14, and was named as a Top 40 Under 40 in the produce industry. Blowers resides in Salinas, California, with her husband James and son Blake.

What are the best words of advice you’ve received?

Treat others as you would like to be treated. The Golden Rule may be the first one we learn, but it holds true in all situations in life, whether business or personal. Always treat others with respect and consideration, whether you agree with them or not. It allows you to have a more complete understanding of the situation and to respond rationally and with integrity.

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

For the next year, I really want to work on myself personally. It is a time for me to prioritize and focus on moving to the next level personally and professionally. This is eliminating the negative things and people from my life that hold me back from being my own personal best and focusing on who and what helps me grow and evolve. It is not easy to do this, but well worth it! We all need to do a “spring cleaning” and refocus ourselves on what we really want to achieve and remember what makes us happy and fulfilled.

What do you do to relax?

I volunteer for various committees and boards throughout the produce industry, school and community, I am the chair of the Los Amigos Del Rodeo Committee for the California Rodeo, and teach cardio kickboxing classes. I also play tennis and run weekly, as well as started learning to golf.

I have grown up riding cutting horses and it still remains one of my favorite things to do. I love spending time with my family and friends, and participating in all of my 6-year-old son Blake’s many activities. I am also an avid reader and read at least a book a week.

What would you like to be your lasting legacy?

Positive energy! I want to be a person who brings light and positivity to the world and promotes it to all I interact with. I want people to remember me as a person of class and integrity who works hard but always with a smile on her face. I want to leave a legacy of happiness and confidence and optimism. I want to leave this world in a trail of glitter!

What are the top three things on your bucket list?

1. Kentucky Derby — big hates and mint juleps. 2. Final Four – I am a March Madness fanatic! Ever since I got in a draft at work I have been caught up in the March Madness fever. 3. Meet Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. I just have a feeling that we would be best friends if I ever had the chance to meet him. I think he would really, really like me.

What job or work would you have pursued if you had not become involved in the produce processing industry?

Definitely something in the fashion or entertainment industry. I love clothes and could see myself easily as a fashion stylist or buyer. But I have always wanted to be an actress or a singer. I love performing and speaking in front of people, and the excitement and energy of the entertainment world. However, I think one of the requirements to being a singer is to actually be able to carry a tune.

What is the one truth you’ve learned about the produce processing industry?

That it is an ever-changing and constantly evolving business. It is so important to be flexible and adaptable. There are so many aspects of this industry in which people look at the same thing from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, that the opportunity to learn and grow from your peers is amazing. Take advantage of the wonderful people you meet throughout this business and get involved. It is so rewarding to be an active part of things and give back to the industry. It is so valuable, not just from a business sense but personally as well.