Central Texas Team
Ryan Adams
Admiral of the Fleet
Sometimes people don't complete their questionnaire for their online bio and we crafty content writers get to make up our own: Ryan was raised by wolves. One night while hunting, Ryan began to wonder if there was more to life than eating small animals and avoiding traps. Plus the wolves would always make him climb trees to get prey, he often felt used and like it just wasn't how nature intended. So he started researching mother nature, saw what was going on and thought he could help.
That's when Ryan found us. Well, actually I think Grace brought him around. He started out as a driver. He started taking care of the vehicles too and before you know it, he became Admiral. If you have any questions about your delivery, this friendly gent will help you out. See his intro video here. See more of him here - Facebook Profile
Grace Adams
Keeper of the Peas
Grace started at Greenling back in ’06 lending an extra pair of hands where we needed them, and eventually found her niche in Customer Service. Then she went and had a little wee sprout that took all of her time and attention away from us, and we were sad. But just like all sprouts, this one grew and is now giving his preschool teachers a run for their money. And lucky for us, because we wanted our Peas Keeper back! See Grace's intro video here.
Mason Arnold
Cookie Monster
Mason Arnold has been a Sustainability pioneer and serial entrepreneur since graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 2001 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Greenling's customers aren't the only ones who have noticed Mason's passion for Sustainability. Mason has been recognized as a finalist for Technology Entrepreneur of the Year by Austin Under 40 and the BigAustin Rookie of the Year Entrepreneurship award.
Mason pretty much works all the time, because he loves what he does, but in the few windows when he's not working he likes to spend time with his wife, Mylie, who has her own business, btw, called Go Dance. Mason's not hard to spot when he's out and about primarily because he drives around in a Prius with a 5' banana on top of it. See more of him here - Facebook Profile, and read his blog here - Mason's Blog
Any words of wisdom or advice that you have picked up along the way?: "The more I see, the less I know" Also "Complexity is a symptom of confusion, not a cause"
Sam Arnold
The Bear
Sam is Mason's older, wiser brother. He has been with Greenling since 2006 as an Organic Distribution Scientist (driver). He lives off Slaughter lane and is engaged to Erin Parr. His favorite veggies are Carrots and Potatoes (which have gotten a bad rap lately...they're quite healthy and loaded with Potassium and Vitamin A), but his all-time favorite food is Chicken Fried Steak. He's a certified connoisseur. He likes all types of music, especially Electronic & Hip Hop; favorite books include Phillip K Dick, HP Lovecraft, & metaphysics reads. His favorite part of the day is dusk and he loves Alamo Drafthouse.
Sam says he works at Greenling cause he loves it! 'Taking great products to great customers. Spreading the organic love.' When not at Greenling he's an audio engineer, a capoeira instructor with Grupo Capoeira Rua, and an avid disc golfer. His favorite words of wisdom are 'It's just a ride' - Bill Hicks
Melanie Colpaart
Mango Maven
Melanie is one with Greenling and she is one with you. She keeps our chakras in line and loves to sing at her desk. She's married with 3 kids (one is rocking the food system at Tufts) and semi-retired. She's come out of full retirement to help Greenling be the best it can be. With an MBA and 25yrs experience in the food industry, she's quite an asset. She floats around to different duties so you may talk with her in Customer Service or see her marketing us out at events.
Russell Cullen
Chairman of the Cutting Board
Rus originates from New Jersey, I think exit 152. He lives on the North side, has a dog named Beatrik, and loves Broccoli Rabe. He won't tell you this, but we have word that he likes to watch 'The Real Housewives' and 'The View.' Not that there's anything wrong with that...just sayin. He wins the 'most tattoos' award at Greenling if we ever give that one out. Rus is no idiot...and don't you dare call him that! Devon and Rus like to battle wits and they occasionally hurt each other's feelings. They always hug it out. Watch Rus' intro video to see him in action!
Devon Haire
Sage Advisor
Devon is our Sage Advisor and resident know-it-all, in a good way. She started as a ray of sunshine in our Customer Service department, moved to the warehouse and is now in charge of all kinds of special projects. She oversees operations, helps out with marketing & events, and is our one-woman HR department. She’s our go-to gal when we need a creative solution. She’s originally from Austin (Westlake High) and can be seen doing everything from concerts to kickball to lounging at Barton Springs.
Candy Hunke
Plants Manager
Candy (yep folks, that's her real name) has this amazing ability to pretty much do everything. That's a mom for you, I guess. Started in the packing room and is now handling our buying. She'll help you track down that crazy Amazonian oil you've always wanted to try for some reason. She keeps our Local Box fresh and beautiful and she'll laugh at all your jokes. What's not to like? Check out her intro video for more sweetness.
Joel Johnson
Curry Courier
Joel is from Sherman, TX, likes sweet potatoes, and is a non-judgemental Vegan! He lives in San Marcos and likes it's small-town feel and being close to Austin. He delivers bundles of joy for Greenling because he believes in our mission and says he loves our work culture. When not at Greenling Joel likes to play music (he was actually a band teacher before joining us) and has been getting back into tennis.
Aspen Lewis
Partner in Lime
Aspen is a native Austinite and came to us after many moons in customer service & marketing in the natural foods domain. She oversees all things marketing – from running our social media accounts; managing community partnerships, donations & sponsorships; event planning; blog writing and all kinds of other things that tell the Greenling story. She’s the voice behind the Local Box videos & recipe inserts and loves finding new ways to use fresh local veggies. She loves working for Greenling because she can feel good about the values and quality standards of the company she is helping spread the word about. When she’s not here, she’s out seeing live music, hanging out with her 100 lb. dog and cooking.
Got an event you think we should be a part of or a cause we should support? She’s your gal – head on over to the Donation page.
James Sargent
Sgt. Pepper
James comes over from Texas Campaign for the Environment where he was fighting for recycling programs on a grass-roots level and lobbying the legislature.Have you ever tried that? Wow, it's hard. So, we're lucky to have him. He's passionate about food and can't wait to take down Monsanto with Greenling! He's originally from Boston and you may recognize him if you've ever eaten at Opal Divine's.Hear more from James at his intro video.
Tim Shaikewitz
Shrinkewitz
Tim is one of the most senior team-members here and has worn a lot of hats. He's settled into the driver hat and is making customers blush all over town. Apparently there are a few crushes out there on this bringer of organic goodness. He's originally from New Orleans (came over way before the Katrina), likes Broccoli & his cat. He loves Cuban food and likes to collect porcelain dolls (not really, but some book said he's probably into that).
Steve Shirey
Bringer of Good Thyme
Steve was working at a farm delivering organic goodness to Greenling when we met him. As soon as we had a delivery opening, he came over to help us. He's the resident Technical Director at the Austin Drum Club, Austin's only underground Shakespeare Repertory Company. Honestly, I have no idea what that means. I guess I need a little more culture in my life. He's got a daughter he loves to hang out with and is a cat person, too. You know, I think all of our drivers have cats. Any ideas on why? He's originally from Florida and Nacogdoches. A little beach...a little country....and....you get Steve. Be sure to say hi when he brings your veggies.
Derek Smith
Deuce Bigalow
More juicy details on people who haven't turned in bios. This person was raised in Russia and could see Sarah Palin from their house. They moved to America and gained 20 lbs from eating too many pork rhinds. Did I mention they are related to Obama's dog's sister's owner's third cousin? Yeah, he's pretty much famous. He also has a Christmas tree/Easter egg thing that he prominently displays on his living room coffee table. No one has had the gumption to ask....
Delivery Staff
Benny
CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)
I love my job! I just get to drive around and tell people about the great service that is Greenling. I make people smile wherever I go with my big banana.
Tall Boy
President & C.D.O. (Chief Delivery Officer)
I don't know how to say this, but I'm kind of a big deal. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. I run the show at Greenling and bring fresh, organic goodness to people all over Texas.
Lt. Dan
VP of Logistics
I maximize the efficiency of our logistics program.
Big Boy
Junior VP of Deliveries
I'm a Junior Vice President of Deliveries. It even says so on my business card!
Otto
Delivery Specialist
I'm new here! I'm ready to take on the world and change the food system one stop at a time!
Shorty
Senior VP of Delivery Services
I'm Shorty, the first Dodge Sprinter ('06) that Greenling acquired to help with deliveries. They fell in love with me, obviously, and have only bought Sprinters after me.
The Penguin
Regional Wholesale Director
Hi! I'm the Penguin. I'm a Mitsubishi Fuso. My name came from my penguin tattoo on my body and the fact that I get really cold. I used to work with Patricia and Jim over at Sweetish Hill Bakery. They didn't really need someone as big and tough as me so they sold me to Greenling to buy a smaller cargo van.
Krispy Kreme
Junior VP of Deliveries
Mr. Kreme joined Greenling after watching "Food Inc." one night on public television. Since then, he's been on an all-local and organic food bender, and that's okay with us. As you might have guessed, he used to work at Krispy Kreme.