Left to Right: Gabriel (Gabe) Padilla and Ed Fitzgerald
We are pleased to announce the recent additions of two experienced leaders to our management teams on both the West and East Coasts, reinforcing our continued commitment to operational excellence and expertise.
On the West Coast, J&K Fresh LLC welcomes Gabriel (Gabe) Padilla as Director of Operations. Gabe brings 23 years of experience in international agriculture and regulatory operations. He earned his degree in Agronomy and International Agriculture from Iowa State University and began his career with the USDA before transferring to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). During his tenure at CBP, Gabe served as Chief Agriculture Specialist for the Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports, playing a key role in facilitating compliant trade while protecting U.S. agriculture.
Gabe later joined the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as an Area Representative and Investigator, further expanding his expertise across maritime and international trade operations. His extensive background in agriculture, enforcement, and regulatory compliance brings tremendous value to our West Coast operations. CEO Raymond Keffer and COO Robert Lee-Hoy of J&K Fresh are confident Gabe’s leadership will continue to elevate day-to-day operations while supporting J&K Fresh’s mission: For a Fresh Clearance.
On the East Coast, the J&K Fresh East division of 721 Logistics LLC is proud to announce the addition of Ed Fitzgerald as Vice President of Compliance and Trade Services. Ed brings more than 30 years of experience in customs brokerage, trade compliance, and business development. He earned his U.S. Customs Broker License in 1996 and is also a Certified Customs Specialist.
Ed’s background includes extensive experience in brokerage operations and compliance, with expertise in fresh produce, food and beverage, forest products, and base metals. He has long been an active leader within the trade community, previously serving as President of the World Trade Association of Philadelphia and Treasurer of Ship Philly First. Ed currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Chilean Chamber of Commerce, the Maritime Exchange of the Delaware River & Bay, and the American Metals Supply Chain Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University and a Supply Chain certification from Penn State University.
“We are excited to welcome Ed to the team and look forward to the experience and leadership he brings as we continue to grow,” said John Ercolani, President of 721 Logistics. “The role of the customs broker is more critical than ever in today’s trade environment, and Ed’s addition provides our clients with another valuable resource to help navigate its complexities.”
These additions to the J&K Fresh and 721 Logistics leadership teams reflect our continued investment in expertise, operational strength, and trusted partnership as we grow our presence on both coasts.