Page 14 - FreshDigest Spr.24

Anika Schlimmer Account Manager Offshoot Brands Skagit Valley, WA Background: I was raised in a produce family (working for the family farm growing up) in Skagit Valley, WA. I attended Skagit Valley College and Grand Canyon University. I began my career at Offshoot Brands in a customer service role. Since then, I have been given the opportunity to join the sales team as an account manager. I have been in this role for about eight months now. Through my experience in the produce industry, I have realized how tight-knit and “family-like” the industry is! FPFC Connection: Offshoot Brands has supported FPFC over the years, so I have been exposed to what FPFC is/does. I was able to attend my first luncheon this past winter! I heard about the FPFC Apprentice Pro- gram from both my manager and a colleague. Both said absolutely amazing things about the program, so I was thrilled to apply. I applied to the program because I am eager to pursue the profession I am in, and this apprentice- ship will help me further my understanding and experience in the industry. Fun Fact: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, baking and working out. More specifically, I enjoy running! I have been training for an upcoming marathon. Alis Ortiz Buyer 99only Los Angeles Background: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, as part of a big family of nine. Among seven siblings, I hold the unique position of being the middle child. My mother is a stay-at- home mom while my father worked to sustain seven kids. I can say they did an amazing job rais- ing us because each of us forged our own path to accomplishment and fulfillment. My parents gave us the most they could, and I think this is the reason why all seven kids display great tenacity, facing life hurdles head-on and never backing down from a challenge because our intent is to provide a better life for them. Having this trait of tenacity has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. The first time I was introduced to produce was in 2014, while working at Super King. I was amazed when I first discovered the vibrant world of the produce and floral industry, with its rich variety and the intricate processes behind it. Fast forward to 2018, I was on boarded to the 99only team, where I started as a buyer assistant, became an associate buyer and finally worked my way up to be a buyer. This career path has presented a tremendous learning curve, challenging me to grow and adapt at every turn. FPFC Connection: I attended a luncheon with Caitlin Tierney in 2008, however, I did not ask too many questions about the FPFC. Over the years I have attended produce shows, dinners and luncheons and become more familiar with the FPFC Ap- prentice Program. My colleague Billy Pasos constantly insisted that I should apply, but the fear of having to talk kept me away. In 2023, Caitlin Tierney brought it up and she sold it to me best; she knows I love to learn and when she explained how more in depth I will understand produce and floral, my fear seemed to diminish. While asking Caitlin and Billy their takeaway on this FPFC program, it filled my heart with joy to hear that I am not the only one who is passionate about produce and floral. Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling, granted I don’t have many years under my belt traveling; however, I make it a point during my trips to visit history museums. You learn so much more about their culture than what we are taught. I am sure my family is tired of hearing all the facts I have learned while traveling. I also enjoy doing Crossfit. The competitiveness that it brings between the time on the clock and you is intense. I certainly do not compete with other athletes. Lastly, I do not have any children, but I have been appointed to be the godmother of my nieces and nephew, a total of four. 14