Sparta, Mich. – As part of its expansion plans, Riveridge Produce has added Mitch Brinks as an account manager in its Sparta, Mich., sales office effective August 4.
Brinks has had a long career in the produce business, including the last 11 years as sales manager at Jack Brown Produce, also in Sparta. Before moving to West Michigan, Brinks worked in produce procurement for the Kroger Co., traveling and sourcing fruits and vegetables primarily in the Eastern US. He also has experience in import/export sales of fresh produce.
Brinks, of Grand Haven, Michigan, holds a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and Food Distribution from Western Michigan University.
“We have known and worked with Mitch for over 20 years,” said Don Armock, President of Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. “We’re excited to have him join the Riveridge Team, as he brings different talents, new perspectives and many years of experience to our sales team.”
“We have a talented team of professionals within our existing staff and Mitch will add to our depth, allowing us to serve a larger and more diverse customer base with the right mix of products and services,” Armock said.
Riveridge has also added Dan Winowiecki to the accounting staff. Winowiecki comes from a 32-year career with Cherry Growers, Inc., where he most recently served as Director of Finance and Accounting.
Jeff Armock, Manager of Food Safety and Quality Control, and now in his fifth year with Riveridge, has assumed additional responsibilities for production scheduling and sales.
The new hires come as Riveridge prepares to harvest another Michigan apple crop estimated to be 30 to 32 million bushels. Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc., is a vertically integrated apple grower/packer/shipper headquartered in Sparta, Mich., selling apples in up to 26 states and a dozen foreign countries. The company typically ships over a third of Michigan’s fresh apple crop.
Source: Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc.
