Learn by Doing.
We are all learners at our core. While we may not be students in the traditional sense, we are learning, every day, to do things differently or better.
David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory is the practice of encouraging students to learn by doing—the hands-on approach. As a student, the kinesthetic learning style is a method where you are immersed in actions to better understand concepts, whether it’s through gestures, movements, or object manipulation—and Brooke Becker is one such challenger who takes trials head-on, by being hands-on.
Brooke got her feet wet in the industry early on when she studied Agribusiness at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, more commonly known as Cal Poly. There, the school’s “Learn by Doing” motto gave Brooke the opportunity to dip her feet in the retail side of the industry through a fortuitous internship. The thrill from that experience never left her, and she sought to further quench her thirst.
Now, the sales savant has carved her path at Mission Produce as the Senior Director of North American Retail, building upon her 11-year career with the company. With the avocado grower expanding its portfolio to include mangos, Brooke has a learner’s thirst for knowledge and is eager to master the challenges ahead.
Brooke Becker: I was able to partake in a phenomenal produce internship program with Kroger through Cal Poly. The university’s culture of “Learn by Doing” motivated me to explore produce, and I got a taste of both the buying and selling sides of multiple commodities. I also met a lot of intelligent, passionate people at the sales desk, which solidified my interest in the field.
Later on, I connected with a few people at the Mission Produce booth during a San Luis Obispo career fair. I learned that Mission was at the forefront of new technology, had a family-oriented culture, and was located close to Cal Poly on the Central Coast, which checked off all the boxes I was looking for. I was recruited right then and there, and I walked out of the career fair with an interview—after which, they hired me on the spot.
BB: Absolutely. When I graduated in 2010, I joined the Mission Produce family immediately as a Sales Intern. Three months in, I said I was hungry for more, and they advanced me to a full-fledged Sales Representative. They gave me a blue book, and I called and called customers until my fingers were blue, but from then on, I was able to build my own book of business. I was probably the youngest Sales Representative Mission had at the time.
BB: Early on in my career, I met a lot of people in the produce industry who I could look up to. The people I connected with loved what they were doing—they were passionate, had opportunities, seemed successful, and looked like they were going places. That was really appealing to me and, so far, that initial impression hasn’t faltered.
We’re encouraged to think big and innovate to provide our customers with what they need. This enables us to pioneer our own careers and try cutting-edge ways of doing business—and Mission provides the support and resources to do so. There’s a new challenge every day, which keeps us hungry, driven, and adaptable.
While remaining at the forefront of new markets, technologies, and ways of doing business, Mission has maintained a family-oriented culture through and through. This family feel is not only internal, but it extends into our business relationships with partners across our global network.
Our business partnerships are more than transactional. We prioritize the relationship, and we support our partners by bringing them into the Mission Produce family. Because of this, we’ve built deeply rooted relationships and meaningful connections throughout the industry.
Mission is a company that truly cares, which is something you can’t find just anywhere.
“Our business partnerships are more than transactional. We prioritize the relationship, and we support our partners by bringing them into the Mission Produce family.”
Brooke Becker, Senior Director of North American Retail, Mission Produce
BB: There are plenty of challenges, especially in produce, but it is also very rewarding. Navigating our way forward as a public company brings a whole new set of learnings. I’ve seen the family-owned side, and now I’m seeing the publicly traded side. This means we have a new audience of stakeholders we must consider in all our business decisions, which comes along with more checks and balances and increased attention to detail.
Because of this, my priorities have grown to consider Mission’s position in the bigger picture.
I have an increased level of obligation to lead by example now as the Senior Director of North American Retail. I’m in front of more accounts and I oversee the career development of an entire team of individuals.
As a leader, there’s always someone paying attention to how you solve problems and respond to situations. So, it’s important to adapt your way of thinking in order to tackle those challenges with poise. You have to be strong, focused, dedicated, smart, humble, kind, and forward-thinking.
BB: Yes, correct. When I first started, I had the pleasure of working under some exceptional mentors that helped build me into the professional I am today.
A former Sales Executive at Mission made a strong investment in me and my career. He introduced me to many people, instilled the confidence I needed to speak effectively, and provided me with many opportunities.
I’ve also had access to a career coach, who has helped shape me into an effective leader. This person taught me that being a good leader is about the way you lead yourself. It’s important to remember that others are learning from your decisions, so you need to ask, “How can I better the team? How can I better Mission?”
Now that I am here in my current position, the biggest thing I’ve learned is communication is key. By taking the time to take a step back and attempt to understand others, you demonstrate that you truly care. When people feel appreciated and valued, they will work for you on an entirely new level, which creates stronger, more strategic relationships, as well as better outcomes all around.
One person that placed their value in me early on was Steve Barnard, our Chief Executive Officer and Founder. I have to thank him for giving me the platforms I needed to succeed—he rarely tells me “no” and supports me, even in my downfalls. It’s been meaningful to have Steve and others throughout my career believe in me, and it’s rewarding to now be in a position where I can pass what I’ve learned on to others.
This line of work keeps you on your toes, but that’s the fun of it. I approach challenges head-on, and I know that overcoming these challenges leads to more opportunities.
The lessons we learn early on become the building blocks for success, and the experiences we accumulate become the mortar to solidify our knowledge.
While, in my mind, the student has become the mentor, Brooke is still a learner at heart. If it weren’t for the educators, leaders, and mentors shaping Brooke’s path, we wouldn’t have this exceptional teacher paving the way for our industry to stand upon.
As Mission Produce has its own kinesthetic learning moment, Brooke and the growing team are ready to become the students again, eagerly tapping into the immense knowledge bank that is our industry. 
