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

By Sara Wilson May 16, 2003

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur 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.

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Sara Wilson

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