Sourced 12–Family

S E R V I C E

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V E R S AT I L I T Y

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K N O W L E D G E

Sourced OCTOBER 2024—FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE NO. 12

by

Family

2

CONTENTS

8

TABLE OF

6

12

22

3 The Season of Family .......................................................................................................................4 Hard Squashes: A Fall Favorite ...................................................................................................5 Product Spotlight: Pumpkins .........................................................................................................6 Savor the Season: Fresh Greens ..................................................................................................8 The Most Important Organization of All Time by Rick Van Arnam ...............................10 Brighten the Holidays: Citrus Fruit ..............................................................................................12 Anton’s Edge: A Journey through Generations .....................................................................14 Health and Happiness: Market Cuts .............................................................................................

16 Department Highlight: People and Culture ................................................................................

20 Chef Fred’s Holiday Corner................................................................................................................

22 Just for Fun ...................................................................................................................................... 23 Welcome to SOURCED .......................................................................................................................

S OU RC E D | 3

welcome to

Sourced

by

SERVICE • VERSATILITY • KNOWLEDGE As the busy holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the warmth, joy, and togetherness that define this time of year. In this edition we celebrate family—the bonds that unite us, and the traditions that bring us closer.

Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table, sharing laughter by the fireplace, or creating new traditions, this issue is dedicated to the magic of family during the holiday season.

In this issue of SOURCED we take a look at fall family activities and suggestions on incorporating fresh greens and herbs that will bring amazing flavors to your holiday table; you’ll discover creative and unique ways to incorporate citrus fruits into your holiday festivities. Also, we’ll explore the most important organization of all time, The Family.

We hope you are inspired to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones, filled with joy, peace, and cherished moments that will last a lifetime.

Happy Holidays,

Anton J. Marano

Damon Marano

Chief Executive Officer President and Chief Business Officer

4

y l i m a F f o n o s a e S e h T As the weather turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, a sense of togetherness fills the season. Fall is a time for family, with the scent of bonfires in the air and fun activities like hayrides, pumpkin patches, and wandering through corn mazes. The warmth of spiced cider, apple pie, and hearty stews fill the home. This season isn’t just about the changing weather—it’s about traditions that bring families closer, creating memories that last long after the leaves have fallen.

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A FALL FAVORITE

Hard Squashes Butternut Squash

Sweet, nutty flavor perfect for fall soups

Hubbard Squash

Dense, flavorful, perfect for baking

Kabocha Squash

Rich, velvety texture, ideal for roasting

Sweet Dumpling Squash Tender and sweet, great for stuffing

Delicata Squash

Spaghetti Squash

Low-carb pasta alternative, versatile and light

Acorn Squash

Nutty, slightly sweet, delicious roasted

Creamy, sweet, and easy to roast

Turban Squash

Striking appearance, mild flavor, great for soups

Carnival Squash

Colorful, flavorful, and festive

Kuri Squash

Chestnut-like flavor, perfect for purees

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PumPkins

Some of the best family memories are made around pumpkins! And, they all start with selecting the perfect pumpkin, a family tradition that the whole family can look forward to every year. Enjoy a pumpkin carving contest, the teamwork involved in prepping and cleaning out the pumpkins, and the fun of roasting seeds for a tasty treat. Together, families can bake pumpkin pies, whip up hearty soups, and decorate their homes.

Pumpkins create lasting memories and traditions that span generations.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Pumpkins Good for decor

Mini

pie

Pumpkin

Pumpkin

Mildly sweet and perfect for roasting, adding a charming touch to any meal

Naturally sweet and dense, ideal for making pies and baked goods

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69%

49%

of the population celebrate Halloween

of consumers plan to carve pumpkins every year

FUN FACTS: All Parts Are Edible: You can eat almost every part of the pumpkin plant, including the skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds, and even the stem.

Illinois and Pumpkins: The state of Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkins in the United States.

Pumpkin Carving: Carving jack-olanterns dates back to the 18th century.

Pumpkin Flowers: Pumpkin flowers are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and other dishes.

Pumpkin Size: The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed a staggering 2,749 pounds.

2,749

Pumpkin Pie Origins: Early settlers made the first pumpkin pies by hollowing out pumpkins, filling them with milk, spices, and honey, and baking them in hot ashes.

AT

HEIRLOOM

white

Rich and earthy, with a hint of nuttiness that enhances savory dishes

Smooth and creamy with a subtle flavor, perfect for creating elegant and tasty dishes

Pumpkin

Good for carving

Pumpkin

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8 Brussel Sprouts

Savor the Season Fresh Greens

Fresh greens isn’t just a side dish—it’s the secret weapon that makes your holiday feast POP! From crispy brussels sprouts to velvety green beans, these veggies and herbs bring a burst of freshness that perfectly balances out all that rich, indulgent goodness.

So, go ahead, let the greens steal a little of the turkey’s spotlight this year.

About

60–70%

of Americans include green beans in their Thanksgiving dinner.

ZUCCHINI

ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH SAGE

ASPARAGUS

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON AND ROSEMARY

BROCCOLINI

ROASTED BROCCOLINI WITH CRANBERRIES

GREEN BEANS

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE WITH WILD MUSHROOMS

owners grow herbs for cooking.

Sa ge

9% of houseplant

Ro se ma ry

Pa rs ley

Fresh Herbs

Th ym e

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Tips: •

Storage: Keep herbs fresh by storing them properly—parsley and cilantro in water in the fridge rosemary and thyme wrapped in a damp towel.

•

Pairing: Match herbs with seasonal produce like pumpkins, squash, and apples.

•

Herb-Infused Oils and Butters: Create flavorful additions for drizzling or spreading.

•

Garnishes: Add a fresh touch to dishes with herb garnishes.

•

When cooking, most fresh herbs should be added to a dish shortly before cooking is finished to preserve the flavor.

Honey

SPINACH

CREAMED SPINACH WITH GARLIC AND PARMESAN CHEESE

GREEN KALE

KALE SALAD WITH ROASTED BEETS

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH APPLE AND BACON

COLLARDS

COLLARD GREENS WITH SMOKED TURKEY

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THE MOST IMPORTANT ORGANIZATION OF ALL TIME IS

the family.

by Rick Van Arnam

That statement sounds a bit too corporate, I know, but it’s true even if we don’t think of our family as an organization. If you begin to think differently about just what a family is, perhaps it’s worth thinking about what makes your family unique, what’s your family’s top priority (right now), and how do you use and talk about the answers to both of the above.

In The 3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family, Patrick Lencioni borrows from his work with corporate organizations to pose three questions that every husband-and-wife family team should consider answering for their family. Geeky, I know, but my wife and I have done this exercise and it has helped us, especially in 2024.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FAMILY UNIQUE? This is a fun question to consider. Every family gets to decide together how they want to do family—and no single answer fits every family. Comparing this to questions I’ve helped executive teams answer, it combines a bit of our core value work and strategic anchors. Oftentimes, like work with companies, this is more of a discovery exercise than a creation exercise. If you consider how your family behaves (when behaving well) and what your family does (at its best), you probably have some answers.

In our family, we were shaped by my thirty years of army service and deployments to Afghanistan.

Looking back, we had to delay a lot of gratification, grind through some difficult times, and admit that we were unsure of what would happen next; but with confidence, we believed that we’d figure things out. Those three things have anchored our journey and guided our behavior. In short, we are a family that believes in delayed gratification, perseveres through difficulty, and believes we will figure things out. These are phrases we actually use when faced with decisions and challenges, which come to every family often—and often without warning.

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WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY— YOUR RALLYING CRY—RIGHT NOW? If you are fortunate to take your family on a long-life journey together, you will experience rich chapters of exciting change mixed with (hopefully) shorter chapters of loss, challenge, and maybe even tragedy. It’s helpful to keep this in perspective and recognize your top priority given your current situation. Getting married, having kids, buying homes, changing careers, moving, and taking bucket-list vacations are just a few common examples of what a family’s top priority could be. With a little bit of planning and monitoring, a lot of the stress can be relieved. This process also helps families stick together and grow stronger.

Dec 31, 200 3

As our family entered 2024, we were in a run leading up to our son’s wedding, the first for us. That was our top priority, hands down. Because we made that weekend our top priority months in advance, created a plan, and monitored progress weekly, we were able to take in every minute of the wedding weekend, being present with every family member and guest. Looking back, the weekend simply exceeded every imagined thought I held.

Apr 6 , 202 4

HOW DO YOU TALK ABOUT AND USE THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS? When families are clear on what makes them unique and can name their top priority, they are almost there. Yet, work is still to be done. How you talk about and use your answers may evolve through your family’s journey depending on how old your kids are, if you’re empty-nesting, or if you’re caring for aging parents, but a few principles apply.

One principle that works is to pause weekly to review progress on your rallying cry and make adjustments as needed. Another principle is to consider what makes your family unique when faced with decisions. Those unique things should be decision-making filters helping you to decide what to do and how to avoid what you shouldn’t.

Of course, if you have young kids, you can and should talk about these things more often and whenever an opportunity pops up.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR FAMILY? If you’ve never thought this way about your family, or even if you have, consider answering these questions for the first time or validating previous thinking. It’s a fun process that is unique and can help your family thrive in this generation and beyond.

AN OFFER If you’d like a complimentary copy of Pat’s book to help you, please email rick@amarano.com and we’ll be happy to drop a copy of The 3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family in the mail for you and your family.

Have fun and good luck!

Brighten the Holidays CITRUS FRUIT

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to add a fresh and zesty twist to your celebrations with an array of citrus fruits. From tangy lemons and limes to sweet mandarins and exotic blood oranges, these fruits not only bring a pop of color but also a burst of flavor to your holiday dishes, cocktail and décor.

Here’s a look at some popular citrus varieties and suggestions on how to incorporate each one into your holiday!

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Kumquat Candy

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Blood

Grapefruit Salad

Winter Fruit Salad

Car

Blood-Orange Christmas Punch

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m Ja

a

Cara

Cara Cara Spicy Winter Jam

CITRUS FRUITS ARE AT THEIR PEAK DURING THE WINTER MONTHS Citrus fruits account for approximately 25–30% of total fruit consumption in the winter months in the U.S.

DOMESTIC CITRUS PRODUCTION DURING THE WINTER: Oranges: 60% of total citrus production Tangerines: around 20% of total citrus production Grapefruits: around 10% of total citrus production Lemons: around 5% of total citrus production Limes: around 5% of total citrus production

14

Anton J. Marano Chief Executive Officer

A JOURNEY THROUGH GENERATIONS

The

FAMILY BUSINESS Running a family business is not just what we do—it’s who we are. For our family, this business is the culmination of decades of dreams, hard work, and values passed down through generations.

We are the third generation to lead this company, and every day we are mindful of the legacy that began with our grandparents.

They started with nothing more than a vision and an unmatched work ethic. Our father continued to build on that foundation, guiding the business through challenges and growth over the years while upholding the same principles as his father.

As a family, we are committed to this journey. We draw strength from knowing that we are continuing the work our grandparents began and that our children and grandchildren may one day follow the same path.

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90%

OF AMERICAN BUSINESSES ARE FAMILY-OWNED

OUR BUSINESS IS MORE THAN A COMPANY; IT’S OUR FAMILY’S STORY—A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE, COMMITMENT, AND LOVE.

Our customers, employees and growers are the heart

Survival of FamilyOwned Businesses across Generations:

of everything we do. They trust us because they know we are committed to quality, integrity, and doing what’s right. For us, this business is not just a job; it’s a way of life.

We envision a day when our business becomes one of

30%

Second Generation

12%

3%

Third Fourth Generation Generation

the few, a fourth-generation family-owned business.

Only 3% of American family-owned business are fourth generation.

These numbers remind us of the

Running a family business is more than just achieving

responsibility we carry, not just to sustain

success. It’s about the pride we feel in our past, the

the business, but to nurture it in a way

dedication we bring to the present, and the hope we

that honors the past and ensures a future

have for the future.

for the generations to come.

Jody Marano 2nd Generation Owner

Anthony Marano Founder

Anton J. Marano 3rd Generation Owner

Damon Marano 3rd Generation Owner

Anton Marano Sr. 2nd Generation Owner

16

Health & Happiness

Let’s face it, feeding a family can sometimes feel like a balancing act performed on a unicycle while juggling flaming torches. Between picky eaters, busy schedules, and the convenience of fast food, maintaining a healthy diet is overwhelming.

In today’s fast-paced world, fresh produce needs to move with the times. We need more convenient fresh produce options that keep up with our busy lives while still delivering nutritional value. Think pre-cut veggie sticks, along with ready-to-eat fruit cups and salads. These convenient options make it easy to incorporate fresh produce into our daily routines, even when we’re on the run.

Consumers’ definitions of healthy food: 40%

Fresh

37%

Low in Sugar

33%

Good Source of Protein

28%

Contains Fruits and Vegetables

28%

Good Source of Nutrients Source: Statista

Explore some of our options that help families incorporate fresh produce into their lives, including convenient Grab-and-Go Healthy Snacks,

Recipe Helpers, Appetizers and Toppings, and Meal Solutions.

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READY-TO-USE, FRESH-CUT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Grab-and-Go s k c a n S y h t l a e H

Carrot/cele ry ranch

es Caramel Appl

ber

grapes

ry m

ix

broccoli/ cauliflower with ranch

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READY-TO-USE, FRESH-CUT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Recipe Helpers

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People & Culture HUMAN RESOURCES DONE THE MARANO WAY

At Anthony Marano Company, our approach to people and culture embodies a commitment to both the human element (our employees) and the organizational environment (our culture). While human resources handles the behind-the-scenes tasks, like compliance, they also guide new hires through the onboarding process to help them get acclimated with our culture. We aim to create a supportive, family-like atmosphere where leaders build strong relationships with their teams that often transcend the workplace.

Our main goal is to ensure that as the company grows, we don’t lose sight of our roots. We achieve this by promoting our company purpose and exemplifying our behaviors.

T he Team

“I have the time of my life interacting with the best people; there’s never a dull moment at AMC.” –Ximena Martinez

“I am blessed and thankful to be a part of the AMC team. AMC not only cares for and provides opportunity for employees but also creates an environment where people continually grow!

Thank you for the opportunity to pay it forward and work with our people! People are my passion!”

–Maria Lara “I am delighted to be a member of the human resources department, where I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of our team with dedication and enthusiasm.”

–Clarivel Lara

“Professional growth is not just encouraged but cultivated.”

–Delia Vargas

“Expanding my knowledge in different areas of AMC is something that excites me every day; I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

–Cynthia Hernandez

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AMC embraces the servant leadership concept and offers constant support to employees.

We have an HR Concierge Team available to provide exceptional service across all shifts—helping with day to day questions and concerns. Our HR team also helps manage changes, whether from acquisitions or shifts in strategy, and keeps employees informed and supported. By protecting our culture as we grow, we ensure that we can continue providing better life opportunities for our employees and their families.

CE

85% OF OUR NEW HIRES COME FROM EMPLOYEE REFERRALS, WHICH STRENGTHENS OUR COMPANY CULTURE AND ENSURES THE COMPANY’S BEST INTERESTS.

OU

R

People are our greatest resource. We provide in-house training for employees who are promoted into new roles, enhancing their skills and ensuring their success both at AMC and often in their personal lives. We’re proud that many of our current leaders began in entry-level positions and advanced through the ranks over the years. By promoting from within, we ensure that our team is not only well-equipped to drive innovation and streamline processes but can also foster an environment where people are proud to bring their loved ones. We take great pride in having a multigenerational staff, with eight employees today who have been with us for three generations.

OU

R G R EATES

S T RE

Length of employment:

10+ years

5+ years 142 employees

30+ years

20+ years

69

145 employees

58 employees

15 employees

Promotions from within during 2024

ALL STARS

A recognition program initiated in 2020 that highlights AMC’s outstanding employees on a quarterly basis.

49% of our employees have a family member working within the company.

Since its inception, we have had

53 ALL STARS

8

employees have been with the company for all

3 GENERATIONS!

“I take great pride in helping employees feel confident with their Paycom, answering their questions, and achieving results together. Ensuring their wellbeing and empowerment is my top priority.”

–Wendy Escobar

“At AMC, success is a testament to the strength of our people. I am deeply grateful to be part of the HR team, where I can contribute to this success by supporting both our employees and the company as we grow together.”

–Gaby Vargas

45

18 years old

77 years old

years, 8 months

Youngest Employee

Oldest Employee

Longest-Serving Employee

“I’m grateful for the opportunity AMC has given me and for working with a great team that has helped get me out of my comfort zone to become a better version of myself. I love what I do, the fulfillment I get when helping others.”

–Jocelyn Hernandez “I like to carry out all my responsibilities with pleasure, and learning every day is something I enjoy. I am grateful because my work team is excellent and we always work together to achieve the best results.”

–Laura Archila

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Freds’ Chef

Metrics

I D AY H O LR N E R CO

Snowball Cookies Ingredients

Preparation

• 2 cups finely chopped pecans

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chopped pecans in a 9 x 13–inch metal

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

baking dish. Roast in the oven until pecans have a nutty aroma and

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

are lightly toasted, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• Using a mixer, beat butter and sugar together until lightened and

• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

creamy. Scrape down sides of the bowl and add vanilla extract and

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

salt; beat to combine. Add flour and cooled toasted pecans, then mix

• powdered sugar, for coating

on low until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop and shape dough into 1-inch balls, pressing the dough in your hands (the dough will be crumbly, so you will be pressing the dough into balls instead of rolling them). Place cookies 1/2 inch apart on baking sheets.

• Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

• Allow cookies to cool just enough to handle (but they should still be quite warm). Roll each cookie in powdered sugar, putting the cookie back on the baking sheet after it’s coated in sugar. Allow cookies to cool completely, and roll them again in powdered sugar before serving or storing in an airtight container.

S O URC ED | 23

Just for Fun

WORD SCRAMBLE

Unscramble the highlighted produce words below from this issue.

Answer Key

YRCRBNARE: AUQMTKU: LICROCOBNI: USSELBRS TRSOUPS: ALEK: CHIIZUCN: PKPINUM: ARCA ACRA: EYHTM: EENIRGANT: RPERTGAFIU: TEEWS OATOTP: SEAYROMR: BRDHUBA USHSQA:

UTRNTEUTB QUASHS: NIOON: BSILA: NGORAE: YALERPS:

A N T H O N Y M A R A N O CO M PA N Y

MAIN LINE 773-321-7500

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 773-321-7645

FOOD SERVICES 773-321-7696

Please feel free to contact us. Our team is available to assist you with all your produce needs.

amily to f r u o m Fro ish you w e w , s your ristmas h C y r r a Me w Year! e N y p p a and H

F U T U R E 4 TH G E N E R A T I O N M A R A N O S