With an illustrious career spanning 44 years, Ralph Hackett has served on a number of industry boards and actively supported a variety of charitable organizations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Clovis, CA, November 10, 2021 – Meet Ralph Hackett, a community pillar in Clovis California. At 67 years old, he has had an illustrious career spanning 44 years. After a life of hard work and great leadership, he is currently announcing his retirement.
Ralph grew up in the Philadelphia area. In 1964, at the age of 8, Ralph was admitted into Girard College (est. 1848), a privately endowed boarding school for fatherless boys from grades 3-12. He graduated from Girard College in 1972 -where he received the Award of Merit for his achievements in his field and his loyalty and service to the school- after that, he attended Temple University, Philadelphia, and went on to graduate in 1976 with a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Business Administration.
Following graduation, Ralph joined the Philadelphia office for KPMG, a global CPA and consulting firm. After earning his CPA license, Ralph worked his way up to a supervisory position within KPMG. In 1985, Ralph began his produce career when he joined a produce importer owned by the Abugazaleh family, who are now major owners of Fresh Del Monte. Ralph and his family relocated to California in 1989, to start Suma Fruit International, a year-round produce company headquartered in Sanger, California. As CEO, Ralph successfully built Suma Fruit International into a thriving company that was sold in 1997 to Fresh Del Monte Produce, then he co-founded and became a minority partner in Pacific Trellis Fruit, LLC in 1999. Over the next twenty years, Ralph oversaw the successful launch and management of numerous produce start-up companies. By bringing partners together, Ralph prioritized partner interests over his own, so each business succeeded. His leadership in daily operations helped grow a four-person produce company into a 350-employee national fruit distributor that represents over 200 independent growers.
Ralph has served on several industry boards and actively supported a variety of charitable organizations. And by having a distinguished career, in 2015, Ralph received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the Chilean and American Chambers of Commerce for his contributions to the produce industry over the previous 35 years. He also has served as an active member of the Board of Directors for the California Fresh Fruit Association in Fresno, CA, and the United Fresh Fruit Association in Washington, DC.
Starting in 2014, Ralph and his wife Lisa took a leadership role in raising funds for the Boys & Girls Club in Reedley, Orange Cove, and Parlier, California. Ralph and his wife worked closely with the Boys & Girls Club Director and local businesses to establish an annual Harvest Festival Gala. This event has raised over $600,000 over the past six years. In 2020, Kyle and Brittany Hackett assumed Ralph and Lisa’s role in the Harvest Festival Gala, and the program’s success continues today. When the leading cycling club in Fresno lost its two sponsors in 2009: Ralph, along with his company’s support, assumed the lead sponsorship role. The club promotes recreational road biking, including sponsoring special ride events. Volunteers work with disadvantaged youths and young riders seeking participation in the sport.
Currently, Ralph Hackett Clovis lives with his wife Lisa in California. Together they’ve raised 3 children who work professionally in the fields of agriculture, brand marketing, and mental health. Ralph and Lisa enjoy time spent with their three grandchildren and dog Ellie May.
Learn more about Ralph Hackett of Fresno and his charitable contributions at ralphhackett.com
Contact Info:
Name: Ralph Hackett
Website: https://ralphhackett.com/