Caleb Prejean takes the helm as Capitol City Produce’s fourth president, guiding the family business through a period of innovation and growth.
Capitol City Produce, a prominent wholesale produce distributor serving the Gulf Coast region, has announced the promotion of Caleb Prejean to the role of president. This marks a significant milestone for the Baton Rouge-based company, which has been family-owned and operated since its founding in 1947.
Prejean steps into this leadership position during a transformative period for Capitol City Produce. The company is on the verge of completing an 80% expansion of its distribution center in Baton Rouge, a project that reflects its continued commitment to growth and operational reinvestment.
Prejean, who joined the organization in 2015, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation and leadership to his new role.
Since his tenure as Vice President of Operations, Prejean has driven key initiatives that have significantly shaped the company’s trajectory.
Notably, he led the development of complex logistics solutions to support a threefold increase in sales over a five-year period, introduced cutting-edge customer service models to support geographic expansion into Alabama and Florida, and oversaw the current distribution center expansion project.
“Caleb embodies our Core Values, which define our culture and establish accountability standards.He demonstrates people-first leadership and an unwavering commitment to our customers and team. With his experience and determination, Caleb will confidently lead our company into its next phase of growth and opportunity.”
Paul Ferachi, CEO and owner of Capitol City Produce.
Ferachi also noted that Prejean’s promotion is the result of a deliberate succession planning process initiated three years ago.
As Capitol City Produce prepares to celebrate 80 years in business, Prejean expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead. “It is a privilege to lead and serve the incredible team at Capitol City Produce,” he said. “As a family business with the spirit of a startup, we remain agile, urgent, and dependable, and I look forward to fostering continual innovation to serve our customers better.”
The company also recognized outgoing president Darin Arceneaux for his 12 years of service. Arceneaux, who has been instrumental in shaping Capitol City Produce’s success, will continue to play an advisory role until February 2025 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Reflecting on his collaboration with Prejean, Arceneaux remarked, “Caleb and I have worked together for 30 years. I am proud to entrust the leadership of the company into his hands and am confident that its culture of service and success will reach even greater heights.”
With roots deeply embedded in traditional family business values and a forward-thinking vision, Capitol City Produce continues to balance its heritage with innovation.
Under Prejean’s leadership, Capitol City Produce aims to maintain its status as a trusted partner in the produce industry while adapting to the ever-changing needs of its customers and the market.
