CEO, Frieda's Inc.
WHY: Runs Los Alamitos-based specialty produce supplier, the 13th largest women-owned business in Orange County, with $52M in sales last year. Provides dragon fruit, Stokes Purple sweet potatoes, ginger root, shallots and more to customers like Costco, Kroger, Whole Foods and Sprouts.
RECENT: Pandemic refocus. In a matter of two weeks in March, slashed its specialty offerings from 500 items to about 130. The streamlined business plan has been a success: Frieda’s projects 2020 revenue will be up almost 20%.
NOTABLE: Daughter of the late “Kiwi Queen” Frieda Rapoport Caplan, who is credited with introducing the fuzzy brown fruit to the states.
2020 HOBBY: “In March, I moved to Talega in San Clemente and my new favorite activity is hiking the trails of San Clemente, along with walking and running that amazing beach path that goes from Dana Point to T street in San Clemente. I’ve already done two (virtual) half marathons this year!”