IRWINDALE, CA – If a company’s success is directly linked to the quality of its team, then Ready Pac Foods has it in spades. The company recently honored Derek Bogard, Vice President of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), and Theresa Davis, Director of Customer Service, with the Difference Maker Award.
“Both Derek and Theresa represent the best of Ready Pac Foods leadership team, and it was my pleasure to recognize them with this highest honor,” Tony Sarsam, Chief Executive Officer, shared. “The past year of unprecedented growth and change for the company was made possible in part by their contributions. They will continue to be key leaders as we look to further grow the company in the new fiscal year.”
This prestigious award is given to upper management level employees who make significant impacts companywide through processes improvements, outstanding leadership, and increased revenue or decreased costs, according to a press release. These two high-performing leaders were honored at its Annual Management Conference (AMC) in Southern California last month.
At the Ready Pac Foods AMC, the company brings nearly 200 company leaders together from across the United States for a three-day offsite to celebrate achievements from the previous fiscal year and to focus on goals and strategies for the future. The conference also provides an opportunity for team building, inspiration, awards, recognition, and some old-fashioned fun as well as the values and vision of Ready Pac Foods’ new parent company, Bonduelle, through presentations and workshops designed to begin integration of the two companies.
Each of these leaders has contributed greatly to the team and Ready Pac Foods program. Bogard has led a complete transformation of the culture and results of EH&S at Ready Pac Foods during a three-year period, and by establishing “Rules to Live By” standards across the workforce, his team was able to help reduce accidents to record low rates in each of its four facilities. Bogard also implemented several environmental system and process improvements, including new training programs for associates/employees in overall safety and quality practices, as well as food safety.
As a 12-year Associate of Ready Pac Foods, Davis has greatly impacted key customer relationships while positively influencing both service and costs. Also resulting in cost savings and efficiencies for customers, Davis’ cross-functional work including the redesign of the No Touch Order Processing and Vendor Managed Inventory programs, has been integral to the success at Ready Pac.
She also has collaborated with customers on supply programs for new customers and navigated difficult crop transitions, all the while finding a way to deliver the highest level of service.
In addition to the coveted Difference Maker Award, more than 20 individual leaders and six teams received recognition in key areas including plant performance, sales performance, new product development, and outstanding leadership.
Congratulations to Derek and Theresa on the wonderful honor and to the entire Ready Pac Foods team on your continued growth and evolution!
