OXNARD, CA - Starting a new position is always an anxious feeling, but with 20 years of expertise in your toolbox, the inspiration to do great things is immeasurable. Bobalu recently announced it is bolstering its sales team with the addition of Ryan Baird. Baird will be lending his wealth of experience to the berry grower, positioning the company on a growth trajectory.

“I am excited to be working for a grower with a history of farming high-quality California berries. My passion for produce sales, history of building relationships, and my integrity will complement a sales team that has set goals for strategic growth based on operational success,” said Baird, incoming Sales Account Manager.

With two decades in the industry, Baird pairs his key business acumen with his experience on the buy-side, having previously spent time with CH Robinson and Foodsource. His prior positions provide a strong base of industry knowledge and allow him to complement the team already in place.

Baird joined the grower on October 18, 2021. He will be a part of Bobalu’s existing sales team and will report to Anthony Gallino, Vice President of Sales.

“We are excited about adding Ryan to our team as a Sales Account Manager before we finish out our fall season and begin building our 2022 program with key customers. The timing is perfect for him to be in on strategic meetings with our trading partners as we finalize our program next year,” commented Gallino. “We have been very particular about building on this team as we continue to elevate our program and align with buyers.”

According to the release, Baird brings a strong base of industry knowledge to the team. At CH Robinson, he worked on an import supply program and was an Account Manager for customers in retail, wholesale, and foodservice in the Monterey, California, office after graduating from California State University, Monterey Bay.

“We are coming off a couple of challenging seasons with the pandemic that has created labor shortages and rising costs throughout the industry, and the future is still uncertain,” said Bobby Jones, Managing Partner. “What we do know is that our berries are in demand due to the quality and service we provide every day. Our professional sales team and strong retail partners are critical to our continued success and growth moving forward.”

Currently, Bobalu’s fall crop is coming from the Santa Maria region. Baird will take up his new position and be working from the Salinas, California, area.

Congratulations to Ryan Baird on the latest step in your career!

Bobalu