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Noah Lines Sales Westlake Produce Vernon, CA Background: I was raised in Yorba Linda, CA and currently live in Anaheim CA. I attended the Uni- versity of Nebraska Lincoln for college, but after just a year of school, I realized college wasn’t the route I wanted to take. The summer prior to entering college, I was fortunate enough to receive an internship at Westlake Produce as a sales assistant. I genuinely enjoyed the entire experience and felt comfortable immediately in an industry I knew absolutely nothing about. Although I was extremely content with my place at Westlake and the produce industry, I had already committed to continuing my college educa- tion, so I had to stick with it. When I returned from Nebraska, I bounced around a few different jobs such as welding and personal training before being recruited to come back to Westlake as a full-time employee. I was informed I needed to complete at least one full year as a warehouse receiver and forklift operator to familiarize myself with the products and get a better understanding of the shipping and receiving process before being promoted into a sales role. Suc- ceeding one year on the warehouse floor I was promoted into sales for our citrus department which is the role I currently hold today. FPFC Connection: I have been fortunate enough to attend many Fresh Produce and Floral Council events in the last couple of years because of Westlake’s large support of the organization. Westlake also has had four previous employees graduate from the FPFC Apprentice Program who have all informed me about the many benefits the program has to offer. I applied for this program so I could increase my leadership skills, knowledge of supply chain, and network with like-minded individuals with a passion for produce. Fun Fact: When I’m not at work, you can most likely find me in the gym either working out or personal training clients. I love help- ing people better themselves to become healthier and more confident in their own skin. I also really enjoy playing golf with my family, friends and coworkers. I find it to be a great excuse to enjoy the outdoors and engage in a competitive yet friendly event. Something interesting about me is when I was growing up, I played on one of the best Pop Warner football teams in the country. I played in tele- vised championship football games at Disney World in Florida. It was such an awesome experience I will never forget because it was with all my best friends who I am still close with to this day. 14