By KJ Myers, Director of Marketing and Operations, Kegel’s Produce

A feature piece from our Spring 2026 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication.

For more than 75 years, Kegel’s Produce has served as a trusted partner in Lancaster County’s agricultural and food distribution network. While our product is fresh produce, what truly sets us apart is our people, our relationships, and our deep commitment to this community. At the heart of Kegel’s Produce is our team. We are proud of the men and women who show up each day with passion, work ethic, and a shared desire to make the organization better than it was yesterday. We lean on one another through both the highs and the challenges. That culture of support drives growth not only in our operations, but in our people. In an industry where timing, quality, and service matter every single day, teamwork is not optional. It is essential.

Lancaster County’s business community reflects those same values. The support, collaboration, and mutual respect that define this region are part of why we are proud to operate here. As a company rooted in food, we understand the responsibility that comes with serving schools, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and families. Providing safe, high quality, fresh products with consistent service is not simply a transaction. It is a commitment to the health and well-being of our region. Multi-generational ownership gives that commitment even deeper meaning. Today, three generations of the Myers family work inside the same building. My Yia Yia, Suzanne Myers, my father Kenny Myers, and myself share the responsibility of stewarding this company forward. Carrying on a legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility. The phrase next generation can be approached with entitlement, or it can be approached with gratitude and energy. At Kegel’s Produce, we choose the latter. This business has supported our family for decades, and in return, we are committed to strengthening it for decades to come.

Balancing tradition with innovation is critical to long term success. We are actively investing in operational upgrades that improve efficiency and traceability, including handheld tablets for drivers and warehouse scanning technology to enhance order accuracy. These investments allow us to better serve our customers while maintaining the high standards that define our brand. At the same time, we believe investment goes beyond equipment or technology. In a world increasingly driven by automation, we continue to prioritize personal connection. We invest time in our relationships with growers and shippers, many of whom we have partnered with for years. We invest time with our customers, understanding their needs and finding ways to support their growth. And we invest in our community, supporting health, nutrition, and local initiatives that strengthen Lancaster County.

Collaboration, in practice, means using our resources and relationships to benefit others. It means partnering with local chefs and restaurant owners, supporting community events, and working alongside organizations that promote wellness and economic strength. When businesses support one another, the entire region becomes more resilient. What am I most proud of? I am proud that Kegel’s Produce stands for something bigger than itself. I am proud of a team that refuses to cut corners and chooses to show up with integrity every day. I am proud that we do business the right way, even when it is not the easiest way. Most of all, I am proud to be part of a legacy that challenges us to raise the standard each year. Growth does not happen by accident. It happens when people commit to getting better together. That mindset is what drives us forward.

As for what comes next, the answer is simple: growth together. Growth for our team. Growth for our customers. Growth for Lancaster County. I have two younger brothers, and I look forward to seeing how their paths unfold within our family and our community. More importantly, I look forward to seeing how Kegel’s Produce continues to evolve while staying true to the principles that built it. In Lancaster County, businesses thrive not simply because of size or scale, but because of commitment to one another. At Kegel’s Produce, that commitment remains at the center of everything we do.

Control what you can control.
Fresh is Best!

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