Get to know the minds behind the movement.
Name:
Kenneth J Myers (KJ)
Where are you from?
Lancaster, PA
Tell us a little about your professional background.
I work for my family business, Kegel’s Produce, as the Director of Marketing and Operations. Kegel’s Produce is a produce wholesale company based in Lancaster, delivering fresh produce to food service organizations across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Fresh is Best! I’m proud to represent the 4th generation of this company, continuing our family business, which has been in operation for over 75 years. I am also pursuing my Professional MBA through Villanova University.
What is your passion?
I am passionate about my faith, family, and creating strong relationships, whether with friends or professionals. I’m also deeply committed to mental health awareness and, of course, the Philadelphia Eagles.
What morals and values do you live your life by?
I strive to live by accountability, integrity, and courage. I believe these three values shape who I am today.
What is a quote that speaks to you?
From Rocky Balboa: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” This quote speaks to me because there are times in life when we feel we need to “hit hard,” but at the end of the day, it’s about surviving those tough “hits” and continuing to move forward; that’s where we find our strength.
When you leave a room, what do you want people to say about you?
That they believe in me and my efforts, and that they want to stop in at Kegel’s Produce for a tour.
What’s a belief you once held strongly that you’ve since changed your mind about — and what changed it?
I used to believe strongly in settling into what you’re already good at. Since then, I’ve been challenging myself to try new opportunities, putting myself out there to be my best, and giving back. There’s no point in settling for what you’re already good at; keep striving to be your best self. Go all in, or not at all.
What do you love the most about Lancaster?
I appreciate our community, especially the family-business-like atmosphere here, partnered with our vibrant restaurant scene. Lancaster has many unique and special family businesses, and the relationships I’ve built with these businesses and restaurants are truly special. I appreciate them all.
What does a perfect day in Lancaster County look like to you?
Starting my day off with a run around Franklin & Marshall and Buchanan Park. After a long run, I enjoy grabbing something from Oola Bowls, it never fails. Then, finding time to stop in at Kegel’s Produce to say hello and good morning to my Yia Yia (Suzanne Myers), the president of Kegel’s Produce. She means the world to me and lights up my day every time I see her. If the weather is nice, I always enjoy finding a tee time at one of our local golf courses with some friends.
What does the phrase “Next Generation of Lancaster” mean to you?
The phrase “Next Generation of Lancaster” means responsibility. It’s up to us, the young professionals of Lancaster, to build this next generation in the way we see fit, and to create what we want this next generation to look like in our home.
Connect with KJ via social media:
This blog post was a Q&A, questions crafted by Jordyn Ney, answers provided by KJ Myers.