nov-dec-2019

BOBBY: Nine years ago I started at Blue Diamond as an intern in the Quality Assurance department. The position was temporary, but I took a chance so I could work for this great company. After three months in the new internship, Blue Diamond created a permanent position for me. I took that as a good sign that they liked me. MARK: Knowing you, I’m sure that they did. What do you tell other people about working at Blue Diamond ? BOBBY: I truly love working here because Blue Diamond recognizes hard work, and that hunger for growth in the younger generation. There is also no shortage of role models who encourage you to go for your dreams. John Wagaman was one of my first role models. He worked in sales for over 40 years and after a long chat with him, I knew that sales is what I wanted to do! Blue Diamond has given me the opportunity to begin from an intern, to Quality Assurance Coordinator, International and Domestic Customer Service Representative, Product Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, and I recently started my new role. I was first in my family to graduate from college. My entire family is so proud to say “He’s only 34 years old and he is a Sales Director for Blue Diamond in the Global Ingredients Division!” MARK: Congratulations! Who are your customers ? BOBBY: I handle some of our largest accounts. They include Post, Hershey, and Kellogg. The best part about being the point person for these accounts, is hearing them tell me how much they love Blue Diamond and how our standards for quality far exceed the competition! Mark, they applaud us for always being on the cutting edge of innovation. Last but certainly not least, they tell me how great our people are to work with! It takes an army to do what we do, and I want to personally thank everyone who contributes in our reputation. MARK: I agree! Hear! Hear! Rebecca, how did you find out about Blue Diamond ? REBECCA: In April 2014, I attended a Job Fair and noticed the Blue Diamond booth. The compensation, benefits, and free sample packs were enticing. The representatives said “ Blue Diamond is innovative. There are always new and exciting projects you can be part of.” What really stood out was the Educational Assistance Plan. Blue Diamond will reimburse the cost of your tuition, textbooks and parking up to $5,000. It was obvious that Blue Diamond is a company where there was opportunity to grow and develop. MARK: What position interested you ? REBECCA: My goal was to be an Operator at the Turlock facility. Unfortunately, I did not receive the position I applied for. Later, through a temp agency, I was hired as a sorter at Turlock. It wasn’t a guaranteed position, but my goal was to get my foot in the door so I was willing to accept any role. After a short while, I was hired at our Salida plant as a full-time Production Laborer. MARK: Once your foot was well and truly in the door, how long did it take to get your dream job ? REBECCA: I couldn’t have been more excited to officially be a Blue Diamond team member. Less than a year later, in November 2015, I reached my original goal of becoming a Machine Operator, though I wasn’t ready to stop there. MARK: That was not the end of your story ? REBECCA: I was determined to grow with Blue Diamond . In 2016, I took the position as a Machine Operator with the new manufacturing facility in Salida. What was unique about this position was that the building wasn’t even built. Four team members and I worked with our Turlock and Sacramento team members to train on their existing lines. We took what worked at their site and adopted those processes in Salida, as well as looking at any opportunity to improve the efficiency of the line. During this process, we developed training materials and standard operating procedures that would build the success of both the Pasteurization and Flour Lines. MARK: No wonder those start-ups were so successful! PRESIDENT’S CORNER 8 A L M O N D F A C T S