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Holly Gonzales Account Manager Offshoot Brands Bow, WA Background: My story started in the small town of Conway, Washington, in the heart of the rich, fertile agriculture community of Skagit Valley where I grew up. While in college at the University of Washington, I pursued a degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on sustainability. The knowledge I gained in this field of study led me to develop a passion for environmental change in our society. After graduating college, my husband and I started a family and put down roots in the same small town that I grew up in – Conway. The next 10 years I worked to nurture my family as a mother and partner and harnessed an opportunity to become a business owner of a coffee shop in my community. In the spring of 2022, a family friend reached out to me asking if I would be interested in a position with their com- pany, Offshoot Brands. I felt excited about the opportunity to grow my career in a new way, but also hesitant to sell my business and begin something completely new. I took the leap and welcomed the opportunity for growth. As of today, a little over a year later, I am working on the sales team for Offshoot Brands as an account manager feeling gratitude and enthusiasm. FPFC Connection: During my first year working for Offshoot Brands, I had the opportunity to attend a couple of the FPFC luncheons. I enjoy attending these luncheons to connect with others in the produce industry as well as listening to the keynote presen- tations. My supervisor told me about the Apprentice Program and how they believed I would be a great candidate for it. After hearing about it and reading through the information, I agreed that it would be a great opportunity for me. I applied with hopes to learn more about the complexity of the supply chain, gain confidence and exposure in the produce industry, and build lasting connections with oth- ers. Fun Fact: When I’m not working at my desk and the sun is shining, I take any opportunity to get out under those glorious rays of sunshine for a mountain bike ride, walk, or hike. Here in the PNW, any ray of sunshine I can get does not go to waste! In the dark days of winter, I like to slow things down by working on jigsaw puzzles and doing Yin Yoga. Shane Aldrich Sales Gardikas Produce Background: I was born and raised in Scottsdale, AZ and currently live in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA with my wife Paige and dog Biggie. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. After college I started in fire sprinkler design in the greater Phoenix area before transitioning into produce sales. My father, Tim, has been an industry veteran for 25 + years and works alongside me at Gardikas Produce as we both help run the watermelon program at Gardikas. Tim spoke to me about a position at Gardikas, and I immediately took interest and was moving out to Cali- fornia to work for Gardikas before I knew it. I was unsure if this position was going to be a long-term career at first, but it has slowly turned into a career I truly enjoy and am passionate about. FPFC Connection: Gardikas Produce has been a long-tenured supporter of the FPFC over the years. I have been involved in multiple events involving the FPFC over the last 5 years (City of Hope Golf Tournament, FPFC lun- cheons, FPFC Expos, etc.) We have had past employees of Gardikas be selected to participate in the FPFC Apprentice Program and that is how I heard of the opportunity to be a part of the FPFC Apprentice Class of 2023. I applied for the program to expand my knowledge of the industry outside of my normal day-to-day work life. I also wanted to meet more industry professionals to seek guid- ance and advice in regards to reaching all my desired goals. Fun Fact: Outside of work I have multiple hobbies I thoroughly enjoy and participate in frequently (golfing, running, cooking). I also enjoy watching any and all UFC events that are aired as well as going skiing any opportunity I can get. I love traveling around the world with my wife (Hawaii, New York, London, Paris, etc.) I also love walking my dog at the beach every chance I can get. 21