CMI's new marketing manager a good fit
CMI's new marketing manager a good fit
Brett Burdsal, who was recently hired as a marketing manager for Wenatchee, WA-based Columbia Marketing International, has hit the ground running with his new responsibilities.
"We're very happy to have Brett on board," Vice President of Marketing Bob Mast told The Produce News.
Mr. Burdsal came to CMI from Eurofresh Farms in Willcox, AZ. He also worked for a marketing agency in the Midwest bringing a wealth of experience in the areas of sustainability, promotional partnerships, brand management, new product development and packing, and corporate communications to the new position.
When asked what Mr. Burdsal found attractive about CMI, he replied, "I very much liked the size of the company. It is small enough for personal involvement and is a forward-thinking company."
Mr. Mast said that Mr. Burdsal was an ideal candidate for the position because his personal philosophy about company growth and development meshes so well with CMI's. When asked what single characteristic stood out about Mr. Burdsal, Mr. Mast replied, "He [represents] what CMI is all about. He has a good understanding about what a retailer wants and how to be forward-thinking."
CMI continues to position itself as a leader in premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries. Mr. Mast said that the company is working on improving its level of service with stone fruits, particularly peaches and nectarines.
"Brett is looking at what we can do to breathe some life into these programs," Mr. Mast said. "We've got to create a reason for the retailer to make the switch to the Pacific Northwest. The industry has become more competitive. We try to be as progressive as we can."
Mr. Burdsal said that he is still learning about various commodities and varieties marketed by CMI. "The marketing plan is very well executed. My influence will start showing up later this year," he said.
According to Mr. Mast, Mr. Burdsal brings a fresh perspective to CMI. "Everybody has good fruit, but taking care of customers is important," Mr. Mast commented. "Brett shows he has out-of-the box thinking."
As for future challenges, Mr. Burdsal observed, "The CMI marketing team has set the bar very high, and I am eager to add to CMI's success."
"We're very happy to have Brett on board," Vice President of Marketing Bob Mast told The Produce News.
Mr. Burdsal came to CMI from Eurofresh Farms in Willcox, AZ. He also worked for a marketing agency in the Midwest bringing a wealth of experience in the areas of sustainability, promotional partnerships, brand management, new product development and packing, and corporate communications to the new position.
When asked what Mr. Burdsal found attractive about CMI, he replied, "I very much liked the size of the company. It is small enough for personal involvement and is a forward-thinking company."
Mr. Mast said that Mr. Burdsal was an ideal candidate for the position because his personal philosophy about company growth and development meshes so well with CMI's. When asked what single characteristic stood out about Mr. Burdsal, Mr. Mast replied, "He [represents] what CMI is all about. He has a good understanding about what a retailer wants and how to be forward-thinking."
CMI continues to position itself as a leader in premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries. Mr. Mast said that the company is working on improving its level of service with stone fruits, particularly peaches and nectarines.
"Brett is looking at what we can do to breathe some life into these programs," Mr. Mast said. "We've got to create a reason for the retailer to make the switch to the Pacific Northwest. The industry has become more competitive. We try to be as progressive as we can."
Mr. Burdsal said that he is still learning about various commodities and varieties marketed by CMI. "The marketing plan is very well executed. My influence will start showing up later this year," he said.
According to Mr. Mast, Mr. Burdsal brings a fresh perspective to CMI. "Everybody has good fruit, but taking care of customers is important," Mr. Mast commented. "Brett shows he has out-of-the box thinking."
As for future challenges, Mr. Burdsal observed, "The CMI marketing team has set the bar very high, and I am eager to add to CMI's success."
