Interview with from Produce of Virginia Peter Tran

What is your current role & how long have you been in the market for?

I’m the Managing Director of Produce of Virginia and I have been in the market since 2011, so I’ve been working here for 12 years now.

What were you doing before you came to the market?

I was studying Business at La Trobe University and graduated with my degree in 2011.

What brought you into the market?

I was helping my dad during the holidays because he needed an extra hand, and I never left.

What is your favourite thing about working at the market?

The people. Everyone is genuine, nice and a bit rough around the edges which I like. No one’s too politically correct, so it’s been a great community to be a part of.

What is the biggest challenge you face in the market?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced has probably been finding young staff, not many young people are willing to work these types of hours.

Do you have anything in stock?

We currently have Custard apples that are available in the winter season.

What future do you see for the market and how do you think things could be done better?

In terms of the future and what it holds, unless we change the hours, we’re never going to attract the best talent to the industry.

How do you juggle your personal life with your work since you’ve recently had a newborn?

I don’t sleep. Something’s got to give and that’s my sleep. That’s the collateral.

What I usually do now is I’ll go home and take a short nap, wake up and do whatever until about 9-10pm, sleep about 3-4 hours and then go to work.

What is your favourite thing about working at the market?

The people. Everyone is genuine, nice and a bit rough around the edges which I like. No one’s too politically correct, so it’s been a great community to be a part of.

How did you feel when you won the the Wholesale Personality of the Year Award at Fresh State’s Gala Ball?

Surprised. I was very surprised. I was at the photobooth taking photos when they announced that I had won, someone with me told me I had won, and I was like wait what? I didn’t expect to win anything, I just came to have a good time but I’m happy to have been recognised.