Oppy loads up on veteran sales talent
Mike “Hatch” Hatcher and James Galindo are the latest additions to Oppy’s sales force, each bringing expertise in a wide range of fresh produce items to the full-service marketer’s California-based team. Both joined the company on April 6 in the role of senior sales representative.
“We are excited to have a couple of professionals like Hatch and James join us,” said Eric Coty, Oppy’s west coast sales director. “Both have experience that aligns well with our categories. They are well-rounded veterans who have the capacity to contribute at a high level right from the start.”
Hatcher came to Oppy from Farmers Fresh Fruit Company in Reedley, Calif. He is based in Visalia, where he will draw on his experience with grapes, citrus, cherries, stone fruit, pears, berries and more to market the full Oppy assortment.
Prior to his recent role of sales manager at Farmers Fresh, Hatcher was a national account manager for Seald-Sweet International. His experience also includes sales and category management positions with Fruit Patch LLC; Naturipe Farms LLC; Dole Berry Company and Steveco Inc. Hatcher was drawn to the role at Oppy for a few reasons, including the company’s reputation and the wide range of items he would be charged with selling.
“Much of my career has been spent selling one or two commodity groups to many accounts across the country. Here, with Oppy’s broad assortment of products, I will have the chance to sell many items to a smaller number of customers,” he said. “I like the challenge of being knowledgeable across numerous categories and varieties, and being able to offer excellent service to a dedicated customer base.”
Hatcher also noted that Oppy’s “full service” approach to marketing that creates excitement and store level pull-through enables the company to deliver satisfactory results from the consumer back across the supply chain to the grower.
On the other side of the Golden State, James Galindo has joined Oppy’s Chino Hills sales office. Galindo most recently worked as a sales representative for Limonik Produce, Inc. of Ontario. He has been in the industry for a decade and a half, primarily in produce buyer positions at Cardenas Supermarket and Pro and Sons Supermarkets, gaining vital experience that spans virtually all produce categories.
Oppy’s product diversity and awareness of its culture also appealed to Galindo as he accepted the position.
“I got to know the company quite well when I interacted with Oppy people and products as a buyer over the years,” he said. “I could tell it was a company with integrity that values quality and operates as a team. I am happy to have the opportunity to be part of it and help bring such a wide range of items to the market.”
Look to Oppy now for organic and conventional greenhouse vegetables, JAZZ™ and Pacific Rose™ apples, as well as year-round berries, grapes, avocados and more. Oceanside Pole vine-ripened tomatoes and summer citrus will be available soon.
