The Team

Rex Lawrence was born and raised in Salinas, CA. His extensive experience in the produce industry includes positions in Senior Sales, Marketing and Management for some of the industry’s most successful companies. As a leader, entrepreneur, and relationship-builder in the industry, his knowledge and network extends to all types of positions, sectors and levels in the produce business and beyond.

Rex’s role at Joe Produce Search is to lead his team in connecting produce industry companies with talented candidates. As a true “people person,” Rex has been building relationships and meeting new people at every point in his career. Rex loves the challenge of learning about his clients’ hiring needs, company culture and objectives, then finding the person who matches that criteria. “First and foremost, we are a produce company. There is nothing better than the feeling of helping a talented person and a great company come together. We really do change lives and make an impact on the industry on a very personal level.”

When Rex isn’t at the office, he enjoys tennis, working out, health & fitness, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Julie is an accomplished professional with a deep-rooted connection to the agriculture industry, having grown up in the vibrant community of Half Moon Bay along the California Coast. Recognizing the uniqueness of many careers in the produce industry, she embraces the challenge of bridging the gap between great companies and solid professionals. Julie passionately emphasizes that produce is not merely a job… Produce is a lifestyle.

As the team leader of the JOE Produce Search, she leverages over 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership roles. Throughout her career, she has adeptly managed teams, valuing the significance of matching the right talent with the organizations they serve. With a remarkable track record in facilitating exceptional matches for our valued clients, Julie gets great satisfaction from seeing how people’s lives can be changed for the better when they are in a role and company that matches both their professional and personal aspirations.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Julie cherishes her role as a parent to two young children alongside her husband, who also thrives in the recruiting industry. During her leisure time, she enjoys engaging in family activities, practicing yoga, training in CrossFit, and honing her culinary skills while entertaining friends and family.

Julie loves to travel and experience other cultures. She has ventured on extensive travels across the United States, Europe, and South America. Fueling her passion for connecting with new people and immersing herself in diverse cultures, she aspires to explore more places as her children grow older, creating opportunities for them to share in these cultural experiences.

Meet Amy, a seasoned professional in the produce industry with over 20 years of diverse experience. Her journey began in the fields and orchards, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for the intricacies of each crop. Throughout her career, Amy has immersed herself in the entire farm-to-fork process, gaining invaluable firsthand knowledge.

Having worked for a grower shipper in sales, a national procurement company as a commodity and account manager, and most recently for a global reusable container company as an account manager, Amy boasts a comprehensive understanding of the industry. From interacting with growers to collaborating with shippers, distributors, wholesalers, marketers, procurement professionals, and company leaders, she has developed lasting relationships across North America.

Amy’s broad perspective of the business extends from the earliest stages of production to the satisfaction of the end-user. Her passion for continuously expanding her produce IQ remains evident, ensuring she stays up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Amy finds joy in cooking and entertaining at home. As a busy parent, she cherishes the time spent raising her teenage daughter, who is studying business in college, and her son, an enthusiastic lacrosse player currently in high school. Amy’s dedication to her family, her career, and her love for produce make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Born and Raised in the Salinas Valley, Diane is the daughter of two Boomers and first-generation Mexican Americans. Her father grew up picking strawberries until his teenage years. Her Mother worked in the Celery Packing sheds in Oxnard in the summers and was a migrant student throughout all her childhood.

Her first foray in produce was as a receptionist for Fleming Companies. It was, “a fun, crazy, intense and rewarding time,” of her life. She later moved to Mann Packing as a Sales Asst., where she eventually worked her way into a sales role, where she flourished. Diane feels fortunate to have been mentored by professionals, with positive empowerment, and mentored by other women in the industry while at Mann Packing.

Recently she married and moved to the San Joaquin Valley to start a new life. They actually managed to pull off the Dream Wedding right in the middle of the pandemic.

Time for more growth! Diane wanted to tap into her experience and at the same time help others, which led her to Joe Produce. After 20 years at Mann and readjusting to a whole new life, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to make major career and life changes.

Diane enjoys her close relationship with her two grown children. Davina is in the produce Industry and Jacob drives for UPS. Diane loves to cook and is a self-proclaimed foodie.

Pam has been in the executive search industry for over 20 years. She began her career in commercial staffing and then moved into placing finance, accounting and technology professionals. With this foundation, Pam joined a small boutique agency and was devoted exclusively to recruiting for the staffing industry – predominantly leadership roles and C-level positions. She ultimately leveraged her success and started her own firm. 

Pam is a well rounded and highly respected executive search professional with extensive experience actively recruiting professional candidates while developing close partnerships with her client companies. She brings her experience in creating and maintaining long lasting relationships, based on performance and caring. She lives by this credo, “I will manage your search with energy and enthusiasm all the while providing the exceptional service and communication that I would expect for myself.” Her professionalism, wisdom and core values are a perfect match for Joe Produce Search and the industry we serve. 

Pam was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has always been active playing tennis and volleyball in her youth. As an adult, she became a certified scuba diver. She has dived in some amazing places and isn’t done yet! She spends her spare time at the gym, and she strives to stay healthy all the while exploring all that nature has to offer.

Leslie, a Salinas, CA native, has been an integral part of Joe Produce and Natural Industry Jobs since our inception in 2012, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience as Operations Manager. Known for her passion for efficiency and excellence, she ensures seamless daily operations and top-notch customer service.

Outside of work, Leslie leads a balanced life filled with yoga, swimming, pets, and cooking. She enjoys quality time with her husband, whether on walks, hikes, playing ping pong, watching movies, or traveling. Her bond with her daughter is a special one, and she treasures her visits to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Leslie’s warm, approachable nature, coupled with her strong work ethic, makes her a vital asset to the Joe Produce and Natural Industry Jobs team. Her dedication to her role and her love for life create a positive, energized atmosphere at work.

Darcy is a seasoned Accounting and HR Manager with extensive experience in both fields. Since joining Joe Produce and Natural Industry Jobs in 2012, she has played a key role in overseeing human resources and accounting operations, ensuring compliance with Federal and State labor laws, and delivering accurate financial reporting and analysis. Her deep knowledge and proven success make her an invaluable asset to the company.

Originally from Reno, NV, and raised in Northern California, Darcy developed an early love for both the arts and business. After college, she pursued a successful singing career, performing across California and neighboring states while simultaneously building a career in business and banking, which laid the foundation for her achievements in accounting and HR.

Outside of work, Darcy enjoys a variety of creative hobbies, including music, painting, decorating, and gardening. She also treasures time spent with her family and her two beloved Shih Tzus.

Samantha has been an invaluable member of the Joe Produce team since 2019.
She grew up in Northern California where she enjoyed horseback riding and gymkhana. She was a dedicated three-sport athlete in High School, excelling in cheer, basketball, and softball, and earning the prestigious UCA All-Star cheer award during her senior year. Samantha studied Film and Media at UCSB.

With over 15 years of diversified experience and a strong background in Media, English, Marketing, and customer service, Samantha serves as the Online Marketing and Content Specialist for Joe Produce and Natural Industry Jobs. She brings a diverse skill set and drives the company’s marketing and content strategies. Her creativity and innovative approach have made her a key player in leading various projects across the organization.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including reading, DIY crafting, attending concerts, boxing, and discovering new vegan restaurants. She loves traveling, spending time with family and pets, and immersing herself in nature—whether it’s hiking, walking trails, or relaxing near water. Fall and winter are her favorite seasons, and she finds joy in embracing the beauty of the outdoors during those times.