Two recent additions to the sales and marketing department at Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers bring not only solid experience in the industry but also longtime ties to the Northwest. Jessica McFadden and Mike Marboe, both of whom are from Washington, joined the OSRG team in September.
McFadden, who was born in Walla Walla and has lived in the Yakima Valley for many years, brings nearly 14 years of experience in the tree fruit industry to her new job as sales associate. Her focus is primarily in organics, and she is based in the operation’s Yakima facility.
Prior to this position with OSRG, she was with L&M Cos., working in production, food safety and sales.
“Oneonta offers a large spread of produce in both conventional and organics, which will not only help me increase my produce knowledge, but also my customer base and sales as well,” McFadden said. “In addition to my 14 years of experience, I’m passionate, determined and have a strong desire to broaden my strengths.”
She said her favorite aspect of the industry is “the people I have met along the way as well as the satisfaction in knowing that at the end of each day I’m delivering one of the top most consumed fruits in the world which happens to be apples.”
Photo: Jessica McFadden and Mike Marboe. Courtesy of Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
Marboe, who shares the last name of Oneonta Marketing Director Scott Marboe, has generational ties both to Washington and to produce. “I am originally from Wenatchee, and my family has been involved in the produce industry for a long time,” he said. “My grandfather sold potatoes before finishing his career at Oneonta, and my father is the director of marketing and is starting his 31st year,” Marboe said.
Before coming to Oneonta, Mike attended the University of Idaho on a football scholarship and double-majored in Marketing and Business Management.
Working in the Wenatchee office, Marboe said, “I will be selling to domestic customers as well as aiding the marketing team.”
He said he looks forward to his career at OSRG, noting, “The opportunity to grow and help the industry evolve with ever-changing technologies is a highlight for me.” And, he said, he’s glad to be close to his family as well.
“I hope to bring a new perspective to the existing industry with my experiences and age,” Marboe continued. “I also hope to learn the ins and outs of how the produce industry works as I begin this new career. So far I have enjoyed the processes behind the product and how each day is a little different with the volatility and fluctuations in the market.”
Contact:
Scott Marboe
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
Tel: 509-663-2191