Chapter 9
A Safe Harbor

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread shutdowns. Washington Governor Jay Inslee ordered the closure of in-person dining, devastating the foodservice industry. Harbor Foods had just acquired a major foodservice operation, making the timing especially difficult. Restaurants lost 70% of their volume, and 20% of Harbor’s foodservice customers disappeared. Harbor Foodservice, which had just launched after acquiring FSA Seattle, faced a sudden collapse in revenue.

CEO Justin Erickson and President Randy Irvine met to assess options. Randy referenced an old FSA disaster-preparedness plan, but Justin made a bold decision: “There is no Plan B. We will lead with our hearts and values.” Justin rejected advice to shut down or sell the foodservice division. Instead, Harbor doubled down on its commitment to employees, customers, and community.

Harbor launched HarborCares, a company-wide initiative led by Nathan Stromberg, focused on three concentric circles of care:

• Employees – 6,400 meals were delivered to team members using excess inventory.

• Customers – Bulk pantry boxes were distributed to restaurant partners.

• Communities – Harbor partnered with local restaurants to support displaced workers.

Over 12,000 meals were provided. Restaurants like Mayan Mexican Restaurants returned the favor with catered meals for Harbor staff.

Harbor Wholesale fared better than foodservice, as convenience stores remained open. Fresh food programs were adapted to meet safety regulations. Rick Jensen was hired as the first non-family president of Harbor Wholesale in April 2020.

Despite the pandemic, Harbor secured new business: Carl’s Jr.: 87 locations onboarded in early 2021. Taco Time NW accounts were moved to Harbor Foodservice to preserve jobs.

Harbor also partnered with URM Stores to serve eastern Washington and north Idaho, helping keep Harbor Foodservice employees working.

By late 2021, Harbor Wholesale achieved record sales and profitability. Many former URM customers chose to stay with Harbor. Harbor Foodservice slowly recovered, rebuilding customer relationships one account at a time.

In November 2022, Harbor Foods made its largest acquisition to date: MTC Distributing in Modesto, California, a third-generation family-owned wholesaler founded in 1921. The $40 million deal included MTC’s 140,000-square-foot distribution center and nearly 300 employees. The acquisition extended Harbor’s reach into northern California and western Nevada, adding $330 million in annual sales. The facility was rebranded with Harbor Wholesale insignia, and the deal was facilitated by Priest Point Properties, a family-owned real estate entity.

Jim Erickson passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy of service and a scholarship fund at Grays Harbor College. Harbor’s culture of caring and service, rooted in Carl Erickson’s values, proved essential during the crisis.

Scott Erickson, Chief Operating Officer of Harbor Foods and a fourth-generation leader, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on May 24, 2023, at the age of 52.

In honor of his contributions to youth sports, the Thurston County Youth Football League (TCYFL) named their annual championship game the “Scott Erickson Memorial Championship.”

Friendship and family values have shaped Harbor Foods since its beginnings as West Coast Produce Company. Guided by Carl Erickson’s American dream, each generation built on his legacy, growing a small cash-only dairy distributor into a billion-dollar enterprise. Today, Harbor Foods serves the West Coast with plans to expand to ten states by 2033—still rooted in the same culture of honesty, transparency, and customer partnership.

Harbor Foods’ culture is built on deep relationships—especially with its 1,200 employees. Longtime team members describe it as family-oriented, empowering, and rooted in genuine care from the Erickson family. Leaders like Justin Erickson emphasize pushing teams to excel while supporting them with heart. These values, passed down from Carl Erickson, continue to guide Harbor’s success and set it apart as a purpose-driven, family-led business.