Garland Perkins
CLEMSON,SC
Summary
Accomplished consultant with proven success in driving impactful projects within the agriculture sector. Expertise in sustainability, innovation, strategic planning, and project management.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder and Principal
Fresh Endeavors Consulting
Clemson, SC
04.2025 - Current
- Provide sustainability and innovation consulting services to clients across the fresh produce and agriculture industry, as well as strategy development, strategic planning, and end-to-end project management and execution of priority initiatives.
- Support the Southeastern Produce Council on education initiatives, including content development and delivery for sustainability-focused webinars and in-person workshops, as well as other timely industry topics.
- Partner with multiple clients on sustainability initiatives, supporting data collection, progress measurement, and the development and management of sustainability reporting and related deliverables.
Director of Sustainability and Innovation
The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)
Clemson, SC
01.2023 - 04.2025
- Established the company’s strategy for both innovation and sustainability.
- Drove the development of sustainability goals and measurable progress, including Oppy’s first-ever in-depth sustainability report released in February 2023, followed by a second report in 2024.
- Managed all innovation projects including precision agriculture technology trials and evaluating a wide range of technologies for automation and enhanced supply chain efficiency.
Senior Manager Innovation and Sustainability
The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)
Washington , DC
08.2019 - 01.2023
- Managed launch of "tree-free" sustainable packaging pack for kiwi.
- Launched Haskap berry variety across North America.
- Oversaw technology trials for shelf life extension using sachets, coatings, and modified atmosphere packaging.
- Managed AgTech trials incorporating drones, automated harvesting, UV light treatment, AI imagery, and spray optimization methods.
Earlier Roles
The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)
Newport Beach, CA
07.2012 - 08.2019
- Business Development and Food Service Key Account Manager - 2012-2015
- U.S. Retail Solutions Specialist - 2015-2019
Education
Master of Science - Agribusiness
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA05-2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Clemson University
Clemson, SC05-2008
Skills
- Sustainability reporting
- Project management
- Strategy development
- Innovation management
- Supply chain optimization
- Content creation
- Critical thinking
- Public speaking
- Team building
- Board reporting
- Strategic thinking
Accomplishments
Produce Business 40 Under 40 recipient: 2021
Timeline
Founder and Principal
Fresh Endeavors Consulting
04.2025 - Current
Director of Sustainability and Innovation
The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)
01.2023 - 04.2025
Senior Manager Innovation and Sustainability
The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)
08.2019 - 01.2023
Earlier Roles
The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)
07.2012 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Agribusiness
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Clemson University