LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA - Companies like LIV Organic Produce are always keeping it fresh—adapting new growing technologies, building on strategic business models, and continuously investing in its people and performance across the entirety of its operations. This spring, the company welcomed Brent Portell to the team as its new Operations Manager, a move that supports LIV Organic’s expansion efforts while helping to drive success into the hands of its retail partners.
“I am incredibly excited to have joined the LIV Organic Produce team. The company has a fast-paced environment and I knew the opportunities to work as a team would be endless,” Brent shares with me. “LIV brings both integrity and passion to the organic space. Looking downfield, we have many advantageous projects on the horizon, giving our retail partners even more of a reason to seek opportunities with our growing, marketing, and sales experts.”
In his role as Operations Manager, Brent will be responsible for providing guidance and direction to all packing house employees, suppliers, and growers and ensuring the company adapts to the ever-evolving dynamics of the produce industry. Brent will also help LIV exceed in responding to the needs of the customer and consumer as well as the demands in the organic sector; all while upholding employee safety measures in an efficient manner.
“At LIV Organic, we have a great model for self-motivated team members such as Brent, which is why he is such a great fit for our team,” Co-Founder, Anthony Innocenti, reflects. “Our vision for the future is grounded in the individual success of everyone on the team and, in that respect, we offer autonomy which brings a greater sense of ownership and maximizes results through all our collective efforts. We take great pride in what we have created at LIV Organic.”
Communication will be key for Brent as he helps to execute LIV Organics’ goals and vision. Lucky for the team at LIV Produce, communication is in his background.
“With my masters in Business and undergrad in Structural Engineering, communication has always been essential to my success,” Brent shares. “I have quick roundtables with my team regularly to ensure all team members are on the same page and in the same book. In addition, I have the ability to dissect information and transpose as needed to the proper party and project. A little bit of knowledge makes an employee feel appreciated and respected. I want the team to come to work knowing they play an important role in what we seek to achieve here at LIV Organic.”
It is easy to see that Brent has a love for fresh produce and an unmistakable drive in the sector. The up-and-comer started in produce repacking in 2009 at Green Thumb Produce and specialized in food safety before being moved into the sales/procurement office in 2013. Within a few years, Brent became the General Manager. He modified many different policies and procedures to ensure maximum efficiencies, therefore, profits during his time at Green Thumb Produce.
With a decade under his belt, Brent’s excitement for his new role is palpable. Congratulations, Brent, on joining the LIV Produce team. We are thrilled to see what you and the company do next!
