Lucas Schmidt, the vice president and chief operating officer of Grow West and Almond Leadership Program graduate, joined the journey to reflect on some of the challenges in the industry over the past few years including supply chain disruptions, interest rate hikes and inflation. He said these recent experiences emphasize the need for planning, budgeting, and really knowing the people you rely on to do business.

“You've gotta be grounded with the day-to-day, but also be looking ahead to try to make sure your plans align to what's coming. The deeper you can get within your supply partners and business partners is so key.” - Lucas Schmidt

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Lucas Schmidt, the vice president and chief operating officer of Grow West
• Discover recent almond industry challenges and how the industry has needed to pivot its efforts to recover
• Learn about Schmidt’s experience with the Almond Leadership Program and the many benefits he found working through it
• Read Schmidt’s Growing Together Summer 2023 blog about the importance of planning

To learn more about the Almond Leadership Program, please visit www.almonds.com/AlmondLeadershipProgram or contact Rebecca Bailey at rbailey@almondboard.com.

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.