If you’re looking for Noelle Neary, you may find her dressed comfortably in a T-shirt and jeans, waiting inside her local New Jersey shop for a fresh bagel—an egg everything bagel with cream cheese, untoasted, to be specific. Alongside her title of Produce Category Manager at Wakefern Food Corp., Noelle is a compassionate friend, a loving mother, and someone with the perfect starter pack for surviving on a deserted island. So, what are you waiting for? Lace-up your sneakers and embark on a fun-filled exploration of this produce pro’s infectious personality…
IF you had to distill your personal definition of success into one sentence, what would it be?
For myself and my family to have happiness, financial security, and professional fulfillment.
IF you had to move to a different city, what three restaurants would you take with you?
My local pizzeria, bagel spot, and taquería. I may be biased, but there’s nothing like New York/New Jersey pizza and bagels!
IF you could imagine yourself in a different industry, what would it be?
I come from a family of teachers; I don’t envy them until summer break rolls around! As a Produce Category Manager, I get to educate people about the importance of fruit and vegetables and all the delicious varieties out there today.
IF you had a crystal ball and could see into the future regarding one thing, what would it be?
My children’s lives.
IF you had to wear the same thing every day, what items of clothing would you pick?
Sneakers, jeans, and a tee. I love to be casual and comfortable, and it helps if I need to pop down to the warehouse to check the quality of produce arriving from the fields.
IF you could enhance one aspect of your intelligence, what part would you want to enhance?
To be able to speak multiple languages.
IF you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring?
A water filter, seeds, and a fire starter. I would include the seeds for avocados, a leafy green, and some berries!
IF you had $10 million to donate to someone or something else, who would you choose and why?
I would divide it between World Central Kitchen, the Ronald McDonald House, and causes that help put an end to food insecurity.
IF you had a superpower, what would you want it to be?
Take away the pain of others, physically and emotionally.
IF you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Slow down and don’t sweat the small things. You may lose sleep over things you won’t even remember a year from now. 
