United Fresh 2019

John Carkoski
Chief Operating Officer
J&J Distributing


John was in his sophomore year of college on September 11th, 2001 and joined the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman in 2002. John served as squad leader during combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq, where he received The Purple Heart for being wounded in combat. John was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 2006. Upon completion of his service, Carkoski began working and going to school, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management from the University of Phoenix. Carkoski found his way back to the produce industry in 2012 with Maglio Companies where he opened and managed a new facility in St Paul, MN. In 2014, John was selected for the 22nd class of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program and has remained active as an alumnus. He started at J&J Distributing in 2017 as the VP of Business Development and Operations and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018. Carkoski has been immersed in produce his entire life as a 3rd generation produce industry professional. From picking the best tomatoes from his grandfather’s garden, to walking coolers inspecting product with his father, to enjoying juicy donut peaches with his kids, produce is a way of life in the Carkoski household. John serves on the Wholesaler Distributor Board, Washington Conference Committee and the Organic Working Group with United Fresh.

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