Mentors in the Making

Described as the lifeblood of California’s Central Valley, agriculture is a proud career path for those brave enough to trek it. For Lauren Anderes, Walmart’s Senior Manager of Sourcing, Produce, California, it led her to exactly where she wanted to go.

“Fresh produce had always been the obvious answer when considering career options and opportunities, but it didn’t really resonate with me until I saw my dad, Mark Anderson, fight for farming in 2009,” Lauren begins, alluding to the time when California limited the Westland’s Water District to 0 percent water allocation. “It left so many generational farmers without businesses and garnered national attention. It is for that reason my dad is and has always been the most important mentor in my life and career. He has taught me the pride you should have in providing the world with fresh produce, the patience it takes to get produce from seed to table, and finally—probably the most valuable lesson—that farming is unpredictable. You will weather storms, but you must remain consistent, pour your heart and soul into your work, maintain integrity, and put your faith and trust in God.”

Lauren’s first internship was with Kroger as a Produce Inspector, and the lively connections made between growers, packers, and shippers across California hooked her on the industry for good.

From there, she moved to Wonderful Citrus as a Customer Service Representative, where she met Kat Hultstrand, Vice President of Sales, Central U.S., Wonderful Sales, Co-Chair of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Committee, and a powerful mentor in Lauren’s life.

“Kat is a powerhouse with a gift to match energy instantly with anyone she meets. At this point in my career, I had not met many women in the industry, let alone a woman at her level with her drive,” Lauren tells me. “She set aside an hour every month to let me ask her questions about her career path. She encouraged me to get involved with women’s groups and gave excellent personal and professional advice. There were even times when we would talk, and I was distracted by personal dynamics—she would stop me and just say, ‘You seem off today, is everything okay?’ It is her kindness and intuition with people that will always stick with me. I am so proud to know her!”

"She [Lauren] embraced each challenge, growing each step of the way."

Kat Hultstrand, Vice President of Sales, Central U.S., Wonderful Sales

With more industry knowledge under her belt, Lauren returned to Kroger as a Produce Buyer. Here, she discovered her passion for the retail side of the business.

“There was—and is still now—such value in being a part of the supply chain and creating a space for the customer to buy affordable and fresh produce,” Lauren illuminates. It’s hard to miss the love for our industry held in this one sentence.

After three years with Kroger, Lauren transitioned to Topco Associates as its Category Manager of Citrus, no doubt utilizing skills learned at The Wonderful Company. However, the ultimate privilege for Lauren came when she began working for Walmart.

“Walmart has been the best environment to work in as it really fosters the growth of its employees. I have felt so supported and connected in my almost four years with the company,” Lauren explained.

Throughout her time with the retailer, she’s met a number of inspirational people.

“In my first year at Walmart on the citrus desk, I met Christine Andrews, Merchandising Director, who has been so inspiring to all who know her,” Lauren notes. “In all my career, I don’t think I had ever met someone so dedicated to teamwork and propelling her teammates forward. Her industry knowledge and ability to communicate with the supplier world was unmatched.”

Roland Harmon, Lauren’s direct supervisor, is another example of phenomenal mentorship.

“He’s the ultimate champion and has years of produce experience. He is the first person to point out your successes and bring attention to the company of all your doings. It feels amazing to have a leader who wants you to soar,” she emphasizes.

"[Lauren’s] curiosity, coupled with her remarkable ability to foster strong relationships, has truly set her apart."

Roland Harmon, Senior Director of Produce Sourcing, Walmart

Last, but not least, Lauren credits Nicholas Robbins, Walmart’s Director of Merchandising for Citrus, as an invaluable mentor.

“He has provided a totally different perspective to the category, and it has been really motivating to see him challenge traditional ways of thinking,” she says. “Nicholas has a ton of different experiences outside of produce, and it has been a privilege to pick his brain and apply his thoughts to problems that arise on the citrus desk.”

As Lauren continues to blaze a trail in fresh produce, I’m certain we’ll see her guiding light mentoring new industry members for years to come.

The Mentors

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

Mark Anderson,

Owner, Anderson Farms

“Lauren worked her summers in high school in my sales office. After graduating college, she began her career with a citrus shipper and is now procuring citrus for retail. Lauren’s passion is building relationships built on trust and loyalty and providing delicious, healthy food for people.”

Kat Hultstrand,

Vice President of Sales, Central U.S., Wonderful Sales

“Lauren stepped into the produce industry with fresh eyes, unparalleled passion, and a desire to cultivate needed change. She embraced each challenge, growing each step of the way. Her journey blossomed, proving that passion and perseverance can cultivate both success and extraordinary change.”

Christine Andrews,

Merchandising Director, Walmart

“Mentoring Lauren has been a rewarding experience. Her willingness to learn new skills, alignment with our corporate values, and high expectations of herself have made her an invaluable team member. Her hard work and dedication are truly commendable, and I am proud to have been part of her journey.”

Roland Harmon,

Senior Director of Produce Sourcing, Walmart

“Lauren’s growth in the agricultural industry over the past few years has been extraordinary. Her curiosity, coupled with her remarkable ability to foster strong relationships, has truly set her apart. Lauren’s dedication and relationship-building skills are inspiring, making her an invaluable asset and a cherished colleague to all who know her.”

Nicholas Robbins,

Merchandising Director, Walmart

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Lauren these last few years; her knowledge of the industry is remarkable. I’m especially proud of her development in building grand scale strategy that focuses on supplier development and long-term surety of supply. She’s been instrumental in the citrus category growth at Walmart.”