#19: Global Pacific Produce Inc. Building a company on a time-tested philosophy: The customer is always right

By Sara Wilson

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

Company: Global PacificProduce Inc., a Henderson, Nevada, fresh produce exporter andimporter
Founder: Chris Kilvington,38
Began: January 2000
2001 Sales: $7.3million

When did you know that you had madeit?
Chris Kilvington: I don't think one can ever say thatthey have made it. You are only as good as your last delivery andhow your customers perceive you.

What has been your biggestchallenge?
Kilvington: Convincing the retail trade that we aredifferent from the rest of the industry and that the customer isalways right. Our industry is production-led and notconsumer-focused. We are.

Can you offer some businessadvice?
Kilvington: Have clearly defined goals, clear communicationof what those goals are, and be prepared to work harder than any ofthe people working for you. Think through your strategy, beprepared to evolve your strategy--but once decided, stick to yourstrategy.

Back to the Hot 100

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Business News

AI Will Create More Millionaires in the Next 5 Years Than the Internet Did in 2 Decades, According to Nvidia's CEO

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said that AI enables people to create new things, generating more opportunities to produce revenue.

Starting a Business

Her Self-Funded Brand Hit $25 Million Revenue Last Year — And 3 Secrets Keep It Growing Alongside Her 'Mischievous' Second Venture: 'Entrepreneurship Is a Mind Game'

Raised in a "very BIZ Experiencesial" family, Tanya Taylor always dreamed of starting a business of her own.

Marketing

How to Make Sure ChatGPT Recommends Your Products — Not Your Competitor's

AI is changing how people shop — if you're still relying on SEO, you're already behind. Optimize for AI to stay visible.

Business Solutions

Predictive AI Search Is Here — Is Your Brand Ready for It?

In 2025, predictive AI is changing search by knowing user intent before queries are made, transforming how brands engage and convert in a privacy-conscious digital landscape.

Starting a Business

The One Real Problem You Must Solve to Make Your Startup Succeed

Some of the most successful startups didn't start with a business plan. They started with a problem. More specifically — a personal pain point.