September MVP: Jason Murray, Director of Sales, Sunkist Growers

September MVP: Jason Murray, Director of Sales, Sunkist Growers

The foundation of Jason Murray’s work ethic was laid in childhood. Seeing his parents invest time into the family while working hard to provide for them instilled the desire to nurture his own children in the same way. At work, he leads with generosity and support for his fellow team members, taking every opportunity to learn and grow alongside them. Curious to hear more? So was I…


Jason Murray

Director of Sales, Sunkist Growers

Time at Sunkist Growers: 16 years


What Your Role Is Really Like

“My role is a roller coaster, you have your daily ups and downs, but at the end of the day, the feeling of accomplishment is achieved. There is pride in walking into the local stores and seeing our Sunkist® brand in bins and on shelves. It’s knowing all the hard work and time put in, not just by yourself, but by a collaboration of great people, to accomplish this goal. It begins with our growers, field workers, pack houses, sales teams, transportation, and most importantly, our customers and consumers to connect the line from the start to a healthy finish.”


Surprise Us

“I have been extremely fortunate to work for Sunkist which values the work-life balance. This has enabled me to coach my twin sons’ sports and be a part of their growth from the time they were three years old and on. I have been lucky enough to be a part of their experiences with flag football, rec basketball, youth baseball, all-star baseball, and travel baseball, including tournaments out of state in places such as Omaha, Nebraska. Heck, we even won quite a few championships along the way. More importantly, however, I never missed their school plays, homework time, class projects, or any of their academic needs.”


A Mentor Mentored:

Those Who Have Shaped Jason

Hal and Jean Murray, Parents: “Before the term work-life balance was created, my parents made sure to be a part of my life growing up, even though they both had busy careers while raising four boys.”

Brad Bartlett, Retired Vice President, Dole Packaged Foods: “Brad was my first Vice President of Sales in the food industry. He taught me that regardless of your title, we are all on the same team with the same goals to achieve.”

Kevin Fiori, Retired Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sunkist Growers: “Kevin inspired me to take initiative and never be complacent within the industry which has stood with me to this day.”


How Sales Becomes A Life Lesson

“Being in the sales industry for over 20 years has been amazing. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life within the market. I have traveled to countries I never thought imaginable and much of the United States. Being a part of the sales community, you learn values, sympathy, empathy, and how to forge relationships with those you meet. This tool is valuable not just in your career but with all of life’s adventures.”


Words of Wisdom for the
Next Generation

“Always work hard. There is no better feeling than accomplishment when you put 110 percent into your work and you succeed. Never chase the salary; always chase the opportunity, and the money will follow. Most importantly, find a career that makes you happy. We spend the majority of our lives working five, sometimes six to seven, days a week. Whether you want a family or autonomy in life, make sure that when you put your head on the pillow at the end of the day, you look forward to waking up and starting the new day.”