As the Packaging Manager at Gold Coast Packing, I procure packaging materials and supplies for our produce as well as manage packaging inventory levels. I negotiate pricing from over 25 suppliers of corrugate, plastic film, pre-made bags, labels, and salad components. My goal is to create optimal packaging solutions so that Gold Coast Packing can continue to provide long-lasting, fresh produce. I serve as a member of the Product Development and Innovations Team, where we work to bring new products from concepts to customers in sectors ranging from foodservice to retail to industrial food processors. Our team works on everything ranging from generating ideas, cooking and sampling recipes, seeking potential customers for new products, developing and designing packaging, conducting shelf-life studies through modified atmosphere, and marketing these new items.

As an intern for the Product Development and Innovations Team, I gained experience working with multiple teams, such as Product Development, Sales, Marketing, and Quality Assurance. I managed Gold Coast Packing’s social media accounts. For one of my projects, I assisted in the development of the internal database of all product information – over 350 unique SKUs and their relevant information pertaining to sales, quality assurance, packaging, and production.

- Drafted reports and memos for various Irrigation District projects- Created various instructional binders on inventory, equipment, and company procedures- Organized and oversaw all Certified Irrigator I and II handouts, brochures, exams, and attendees

- Arranged for harvest activities including harvest equipment preparation and quality control of mechanically and hand-harvested fruit- Performed viticultural tests such as sugar sampling, cluster counts, and leaf water potential measurements- Assisted with the design, layout, and planting of new vineyard blocks

- Developed an all-encompassing safety program for the wine and beer industry- Researched and interviewed various wineries and breweries along the Central Coast for industry trends in safety needs- Produced marketing tools, such as presentations, in-store posters, and rack cards, for the safety program

- Graded 120 lab reports each week for BRAE 340: Irrigation Water Management

- Created and published several safety training resources, such as "tailgate trainings", kits, and DVDs- Designed and edited postcards, newsletters, rack cards, conference brochures, and flyers- Completed AgSafe's Chairmen Circle video series

- Opened yogurt shop and prepared for each day by cleaning machines and perfecting store appearance- Handled money and regulated inventory- Provided friendly customer service

- Welcomed and professionally greeted guests to an upscale restaurant- Assisted in taking drink and dinner orders both in person and over the phone- Managed reservations and availability for parties up to 30 people