Sourced welcome to
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
The Season of Family
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.
A FALL FAVORITE
Hard Squashes
Butternut Squash
Sweet, nutty flavor perfect for fall soups
Spaghetti Squash
Low-carb pasta alternative, versatile and light
Kabocha Squash
Rich, velvety texture, ideal for roasting
Delicata Squash
Creamy, sweet, and easy to roast
Carnival Squash
Colorful, flavorful, and festive
Hubbard Squash
Dense, flavorful, perfect for baking
Sweet Dumpling Squash
Tender and sweet, great for stuffing
Turban Squash
Striking appearance, mild flavor, great for soups
Kuri Squash
Chestnut-like flavor, perfect for purees
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.
Good for decor
PumPkins PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Pumpkins
Mini Pumpkin
Mildly sweet and perfect for roasting, adding a charming touch to any meal
pie Pumpkin
Naturally sweet and dense, ideal for making pies and baked goods
69% of thecelebratepopulation Halloween
FUN FACTS:
49% of consumers plan to carve pumpkins every year
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.
Pumpkin Flowers: Pumpkin flowers are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and other dishes.
Illinois and Pumpkins: The state of Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkins in the United States.
Pumpkin Size: The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed a staggering 2,749 pounds.
2,749
Pumpkin Carving: Carving jack-olanterns dates back to the 18th century.
Good for carving
HEIRLOOM
Pumpkin
Rich and earthy, with a hint of nuttiness that enhances savory dishes
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.
Pumpkin
Smooth and creamy with a subtle flavor, perfect for creating elegant and tasty dishes
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 ASPARAGUS BROCCOLINI GREEN BEANS
Fresh Herbs
Tips:
Rosemary Parsley Thyme Sage
• 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.
9% of houseplant owners grow herbs for cooking. CREAMED SPINACH WITH GARLIC AND PARMESAN CHEESE KALE SALAD WITH ROASTED BEETS
SPINACH GREEN KALE BRUSSELS SPROUTS COLLARDS
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH APPLE AND BACON
COLLARD GREENS WITH SMOKED TURKEY
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.
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, 2003
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, 2024
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.
Brighten Holidays CITRUS FRUIT
the
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!
Grapefruit Tangerine Kumquats
alad
rink s
Sweet Treat s
CaraCara
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
Grapefruit Salad
Winter Fruit Salad
Cara Cara Spicy Winter Jam
Kumquat Candy
Blood-Orange Christmas Punch
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.
OF AMERICAN BUSINESSES ARE FAMILY-OWNED 90%
Survival of FamilyOwned Businesses across Generations:
These numbers remind us of the responsibility we carry, not just to sustain the business, but to nurture it in a way that honors the past and ensures a future for the generations to come.
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 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 the few, a fourth-generation family-owned business. Only 3% of American family-owned business are fourth generation.
Running a family business is more than just achieving success. It’s about the pride we feel in our past, the dedication we bring to the present, and the hope we have for the future.
Anton Marano Sr. 2nd Generation Owner
Damon Marano 3rd Generation Owner
Anthony Marano Founder
Anton J. Marano 3rd Generation Owner
Jody Marano 2nd Generation Owner
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:
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.
Source: Statista
READY-TO-USE, FRESH-CUT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Grab-and-Go
Healthy Snacks
cauliflower with ranch
ranch
READY-TO-USE, FRESH-CUT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Recipe Helpers
eastern STIR FRY
FAjita mix
asparagus saute
noodles
zucchini
green onions
sweetpotato butternut
AppetizersToppingsand
Meals
Quinoa Kale SALAD
bruschetta
Strawberry/ Blueberry
Blueberry/ Grapes
Garbanzo beans Strawberry
picodegallo
mild
PartyTray
pineapple
Vanilla PArfait
People & Cu lture
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.
The Team
“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
“I have the time of my life interacting with the best people; there’s never a dull moment at AMC.”
–Ximena Martinez
“Expanding my knowledge in different areas of AMC is something that excites me every day; I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
–Cynthia Hernandez
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.
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.
“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
OUR GREATESTRESOURCE
OF OUR NEW HIRES COME FROM EMPLOYEE REFERRALS, WHICH STRENGTHENS OUR COMPANY CULTURE AND ENSURES THE COMPANY’S BEST INTERESTS. Length
Promotions from within during 2024 69
of our employees have a family member working within the company.
A recognition program initiated in 2020 that highlights AMC’s outstanding employees on a quarterly basis. Since its inception, we have had
“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
“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
Ingredients
Snowball Cookies
• 2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• powdered sugar, for coating
Preparation
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chopped pecans in a 9 x 13–inch metal baking dish. Roast in the oven until pecans have a nutty aroma and are lightly toasted, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
• Using a mixer, beat butter and sugar together until lightened and creamy. Scrape down sides of the bowl and add vanilla extract and salt; beat to combine. Add flour and cooled toasted pecans, then mix 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.
Just for Fun WORD
SCRAMBLE
Unscramble the highlighted produce words below from this issue.
YRCRBNARE:
AUQMTKU:
LICROCOBNI:
USSELBRS TRSOUPS:
ALEK:
CHIIZUCN:
PKPINUM:
ARCA ACRA:
EYHTM:
EENIRGANT:
RPERTGAFIU:
TEEWS OATOTP:
SEAYROMR:
BRDHUBA USHSQA:
UTRNTEUTB QUASHS:
NIOON: BSILA: NGORAE: YALERPS:
ANTHONY MARANO COMPANY
