Mentors in the Making

W

hen you’re a teenager nervously clocking in for orientation at your first real job, you hardly notice the beginning of a decades-long journey to finding your career. The same went for Brittnie Hammack—now Director of Marketing for Sev-Rend—when she entered the produce industry at age 16.

Having made her entry into the workforce doing clerical work for Sultana, California-based Sadoian Brothers, Brittnie gained invaluable experience while developing the strong work ethic that has led to her current success in fresh.

“I grew up in the produce industry, having been immersed in it from a young age. My late mother, Kim Gaarde, who passed away in November 2024, was the Controller at Sadoian Brothers, a grower-packer-shipper of grapes, stonefruit, figs, and other treefruit,” Brittnie tells me as she reflects on her younger years. “Some of my fondest memories are from days I accompanied her at work during holidays, summer breaks, or school closures—whether it was spending time in the upstairs office, the excitement of visiting the pack line with my mom, or sampling freshly packed fruit with Cliff Sadoian.”

During college, Brittnie further expanded her industry knowledge with Fruit Dynamics and Gaarde Foodsource and Service in Fresno, California. Since then, she has had the privilege of working with other respected companies such as Fresh Fruit Cuts, Dole Frozen Foods, Gerawan Farming, and Prima Wawona^®.

"My journey has been one of constant growth and learning, built on the foundation of lessons I learned early on and the opportunities that have shaped my career along the way."

Brittnie Hammack, Director of Marketing, Sev-Rend

“These roles gave me a broader perspective on the produce industry and fueled my passion for this field,” Brittnie explained. “Now, in my role at Sev-Rend, I bring together all these experiences to contribute to the dynamic and ever-evolving produce industry. My journey has been one of constant growth and learning, built on the foundation of lessons I learned early on and the opportunities that have shaped my career along the way.”

Like so many of us, the first true influence on Brittnie’s success was her mother, Kim.

“My mother was not only a remarkable mentor but also my best friend,” Brittnie lovingly recalls. “She dedicated much of her career to this industry, and I grew up watching her work tirelessly. Despite the challenges of raising three kids as a single mom while working full-time, she always went above and beyond. She had a remarkable ability to tackle what seemed impossible, embodying knowledge, faith, and determination. Her resilience and ability to push forward through every high and low remain a guiding light in my life.”

Another consistent figure in Brittnie’s life was Eric Gaarde, Owner of Gaarde Foodsource and Services.

“Eric has always been there to guide me, offering wisdom and unwavering support,” Brittnie shares. “He entered my life when I was 16, married my mom, and treated me as his own. His deep industry expertise and his willingness to share it have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his mentorship.”

Supported by the guidance and expertise of her mother and stepfather, Brittnie continued to ascend in the world of produce. During her time with North American stonefruit supplier Prima Wawona, Brittnie crossed paths with another industry icon: Lisa (Davis) Corrigan.

"I strive to maintain a positive mindset, treat everyone with fairness and respect, and embrace the idea that it’s okay not to have all the answers—what matters is giving your best effort to figure things out."

Brittnie Hammack

“I had the privilege of working alongside Lisa when she joined Prima Wawona as Director of Marketing,” Brittnie continues. “Lisa brought invaluable knowledge and a fresh perspective, especially in the realm of data-driven marketing. I greatly admire her forward-thinking approach, her ability to challenge ideas, and her passion for the produce industry. Lisa has been a significant influence on me, both professionally and personally. I’m fortunate to have a network of industry professionals whose insights and advice I deeply value. They’re always just a phone call away, ready to discuss ideas and help navigate challenges.”

Now, as Sev-Rend’s Director of Marketing, Brittnie’s drive to succeed is amplified by the team of great people who surround her every day.

“What I cherish most is the constant variety and the energy it brings,” she tells me. “No two days are ever the same. Stepping into the world of packaging has been both a challenge and a thrill, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work with a team that genuinely supports and uplifts one another. Their encouragement and willingness to step in when needed inspire me every day. What makes Sev-Rend so special is the people. Each of us brings unique strengths and insights, and together, we create something truly extraordinary.”

In addition to the many attributes that make her a brilliant leader and a thriving Director of Marketing, one of the things I’ve come to admire most about Brittnie is the way she elegantly upholds the values instilled during her childhood.

“I strive to maintain a positive mindset, treat everyone with fairness and respect, and embrace the idea that it’s okay not to have all the answers—what matters is giving your best effort to figure things out,” she says. “I’m also unafraid to ask questions and seek guidance when needed. These principles were instilled in me early on by incredible role models who continue to inspire and encourage me to tackle challenges and do hard things.”

From taking on her very first job in fresh at 16 to spearheading a powerful team of industry innovators as Director of Marketing, Brittnie’s journey is one marked by determination, passion, and support for the people around her. For that, we can thank the lovely mentors who have guided her along the way.

The Mentors

Here is what they have to say about Brittnie...

Eric Gaarde,

Chief Executive Officer, Gaarde Foodsource

“Brittnie has never shied away from hard work. One of her first jobs in the produce industry was as a Field Representative for an international fruit processor. She drove over an hour in each direction every day and spent all day out in peach and apricot orchards in the sweltering San Joaquin Valley heat, doing quality control and ignoring the predictable snarky remarks from the harvest crews. She never complained once.

She has an unusually expansive field of experience in fresh produce, ranging from post-harvest lab testing to new variety evaluations to fruit processing, sales, and marketing. I really can’t think of another human being with this level of experience. She has never backed down from a challenge and is always interested in how she can help other people.”

Lisa (Davis) Corrigan,

Director of Retail Development, Sunview Marketing International

"I joined Prima Wawona as the Director of Marketing and acquired Brittnie, who later became the Marketing Specialist, which I consider a gift. Brittnie had been at Prima Wawona for a few years prior to my joining, and she had great insight and experience in the stonefruit category. I was new to the stonefruit industry, and from the beginning, she readily shared category knowledge. We created a partnership of learning from each other, working side by side and traveling together to industry events. What I love most about her is her energy, passion, drive to learn and succeed, and, most of all, her humility. Brittnie’s work ethic and the ‘get it done’ attitude are a part of her genetic makeup and something to aspire to. I can’t say all of this without mentioning that she makes work super fun. I am grateful for my time spent with her but most of all for the friendship it developed. Keep the sparkle going because you’re a rockstar, and it is fun to watch you succeed!”