Brian Nicholson, President & CEO
Brian
graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Business Administration and Marketing (’94). He dabbled in the flower bulb industry with the Dutch family Langeveld Bulb Company, working with the pioneering retailers Home Depot and Walmart. He quickly settled into an advertising career with storied firm Jordan McGrath Case and Partners on Madison Avenue in NY City. Here he learned the trade of “engaging consumers”, including the challenge of expanding Proctor and Gamble’s iconic billion dollar Bounty paper towel business.
Finally returning to “greener pasture” on the farm in 2000, Brian worked in all aspects of the business including establishing their NY distribution (a pioneer in local food), expanding product lines, customers and production capabilities. Together with his family, Brian has led the company in a 23-year growth period resulting in an 8-fold expansion of sales.
Today Brian remains focused on building RJO’s iconic beverage business, sharing the joy of loyal customers and building a mission driven best-in-class business operation for the next generation.
He currently serves as the Learning Officer of YPO Empire chapter, Secretary of Premier Apple Co-op, Advisor to Cornell CALS and Cornell Dyson Business School boards. He is past Chairman of the NY Apple Association and board member of Cornell Agritech. Brian is also the co-author of a nationally recognized cookbook, Fruitful, Four Seasons of Fresh Fruit Recipes (USA Today Top 20 Summer Cookbook).
As a third-generation owner, he and his family are committed to a sustainable future for the family business, their community and family. He and his wife, Kirstin, currently reside in Canandaigua, NY with their three children (Colin, Emily & Anna). Brian enjoys the outdoors through biking, running, hiking, sailing, boating and attending countless soccer games. He recently completed the 2021 NYC marathon (his second) and enjoys competing as a tri-athlete.