BAKERSFIELD, CA – Bolstering the company’s grape growing and selling operations, Giumarra Vineyards has announced the addition of three new members to the company’s sales and production teams. The company has hired Michael Walsh, Alex Giumarra, and Mark Forrest as Sales Representative, Junior Sales Representative, and Viticulturist/Ranch Superintendent, respectively.
“We’re excited to bring in two young, energetic and talented salespeople to the Giumarra Vineyards / Giumarra International Marketing family. With our increasing volume of diversified table grape varieties, we needed to expand our sales team and are lucky to have Alex Giumarra and Mike Walsh fill these positions,” noted Randy Giumarra, Vice President of Sales, in a press release. “Both young men have grown up in produce families and they have that innate passion that it takes to succeed in this industry. Their talent and personality will be a wonderful addition to our sales team and a tremendous benefit to our family of growers and our loyal customers.”
Effective November 27th, Michael Walsh has joined the company as Sales Representative. In his new role, Walsh will be responsible for developing new business and expanding sales with current customers in the North American market. Walsh joins the company from CH Robinson, and Giumarra Vineyards noted in a press release, he brings experience in account sales and category management for the grape and stone fruit categories. As Sales Representative, Walsh will be based at Giumarra’s Port of Wilmington office, where he will report directly to Mike Rodgers, Director of East Coast Operations.
Alex Giumarra has also joined the Giumarra sales team in the capacity of Junior Sales Representative, assisting with and handling new customer accounts. In this capacity, Alex will report directly to Randy Giumarra. Alex graduated this June from Cal State Bakersfield with a BS degree in Agriculture Business and Finance, and also brings experience from internships at the Wonderful Company and Walgreens.
Mark Forrest has joined the Giumarra production team as Viticulturist/Ranch Superintendent. Forrest brings prior experience including farm management roles at Family Farms, Munger Brothers, and Sunview, in addition to studying vineyard and tree fruit management and Agriculture Economics and Accounting at Kings River Community College.
“Mark brings a wealth of farming and production expertise to our team in Bakersfield,” said CEO Wayne Childress. “His recent experience in California table grapes, blueberries, and organic production will help support and broaden Giumarra’s knowledge base, and support our vineyard redevelopment projects and market growth. We are very happy to have Mark join our team and look forward to our shared success in the future.”
From all of us at AndNowUKnow—congratulations, Michael, Alex, and Mark, on these exciting new roles.
