2025 Impact Awards: Kathleen Triou

KATHLEEN TRIOU

President/CEO, Fresh Solutions Network

Hometown: Strongsville, Ohio

A quest to provide consumers with nutritional options led Kathleen Triou to the potato industry. A mission to expand those options has kept her there.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the ways food impacts our lives, from family meals to convenient, healthy options,” Triou said. “Potatoes are a versatile, nutritious staple with so much untapped potential.”

Triou joined Fresh Solutions Network, the exclusive supplier of Side Delights potato products, in 2014. The network’s seven members, from Florida to Washington, own the land they grow on, tend the crops and pack the product. Potato and onion buyers choose a preferred point of contact to coordinate sourcing and supplying custom shipments.

Expanding the network’s portfolio through options such as the Side Delights brand, which focuses on consumer preferences for potatoes as a side dish, and the newly launched microwaveable Amazables! product is a driving factor motivating Triou.

“It’s rewarding to see these innovations resonate with people who are looking for fresh, convenient options,” she said. “Helping to drive positive change in agriculture and contribute to sustainable growth has been both humbling and inspiring.”

Triou, who holds a master’s in business administration from Midwestern State University and the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force, advises industry professionals to use all available tools to understand consumer behavior.

“Use quality data and consumer insights to drive innovation and meet needs in a way that makes your product stand out,” she said. “Also, don’t be afraid to explore new technologies. Whether it’s packaging, convenience or sustainability solutions, investing in innovation can have a huge impact in even the most traditional categories.”

That focus on continuous innovation and improvement is part of Triou’s business philosophy: Never stop learning and stay curious.

“In an industry that’s constantly evolving, especially with consumer preferences shifting rapidly, it’s essential to keep asking questions and challenging assumptions,” she said. “This advice has kept me grounded and open to new ideas. It reminds me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and that success often comes from embracing change rather than resisting it.”