Ron Carkoski, who has served as the CEO of Four Seasons Family of Companies since 2002, will be retiring on Dec 21st, 2018. Ron started his career at Four Seasons Produce in 1994 as the Director of Procurement after previous leadership roles at Gateway Foods in Wisconsin.
Photo: left, David Hollinger (Chairman) and on right Ron Carkoski (CEO) of Four Seasons Family of Companies.
David Hollinger, founder and Chairman of Four Seasons, quickly noticed Ron’s capacity for leadership. “Four Seasons was growing rapidly, and I realized Ron had the passion and leadership to take us to the next level. Ron had earned my trust as well as the management teams’ trust, and he had the keen ability to effectively communicate the vision of the company.”
In 2006 Ron formed three new companies to respond to opportunities within the produce industry. Earth Source Trading, Sunrise Logistics and Sunrise Transport, along with Four Seasons Produce now make up the Four Seasons Family of Companies. Under Ron’s dynamic leadership, the Four Seasons Family of Companies experienced tremendous growth. “Ron carried on the entrepreneur spirit of David Hollinger, and that spirit is alive and well throughout our team today,” says Jason Hollinger, President. “One of his favorite lines in the early years was, “Say ‘Yes’ and we will figure out how to do it later”.”
A lasting contribution to Four Seasons was formalizing the company’s Mission and Core Values. Nelson Longenecker, VP of Innovation remembers that process, “We had a cumbersome Mission Statement and Core Values that no one could remember. Ron led us through steps to more clearly articulate both. That effort has further shaped our culture for the past 15 years.”
Known as a strong leader with a big heart, Ron always put the team at Four Seasons first. Loretta Radanovic, VP & CFO shared that “Ron sincerely cares about people, and is interested in who you are, how you’re doing, and how to make your work experience meaningful and rewarding.” Through both challenging and good times, Ron put people first and protected the culture of the company.
Throughout his career, Ron has been active in the produce industry serving as Chairman of the United Fresh Board of Directors, and Chairman of its Wholesale Distributor Board. In his community, he has faithfully served on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Valley Floral Group and chairman of the Delaware Valley Floral Group’s Talen and Human Resources Committee. Most recently, Ron was elected to the Peninsula Music Festival Foundation Board of Trustees and is a member of the Make-A-Wish of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley Board of Directors. Ron will also be receiving the Untied Fresh Lifetime Achievement award in January of 2019.
After living for 24 years in Pennsylvania, Ron and his wife Patricia will be relocating to their home state of Wisconsin on the Door County Peninsula. In retirement, Ron plans to spend time fishing, playing the piano and staying involved in the produce industry.
