Michelle Story – Senior Account Executive
Taylor Farms

• 14 years experience in fresh produce
• Graduated California Polytechnic State University
  B.S. Ag Business Marketing
• Reason for entering the industry:
  • Took a class in college that was an intro to produce.

Following graduation, Michelle began her career in fresh produce with the Tulare County Ag Commissioner's office as a Produce Inspector. In this role, she gained appreciation for the rigorous regulatory requirements farmers are held to.

Michelle then transitioned to the California Strawberry Commission in 1997 as a Merchandising Manager. There she was responsible for a large territory of retail accounts providing crop education and helping them execute strawberry marketing promotions. Some perks of the job included lots of travel and the opportunity to meet many new retailers and foodservice operators which provided a broader introduction to the industry.

In 2002, Michelle moved to Tanimura & Antle where she worked in Sales for the southeast region of the U.S. She was promoted to Account Executive for Walmart in 2004 where she oversaw co-managed retail sales performance for all veg commodities, worked with Walmart buyers to manage order quantities and scheduling, and formulated strategies to increase sales at store level.

Michelle made her next career move to Taylor Farms in early 2008 where she took over as Senior Account Exective for their Walmart business. In this expanded role, she has been introduced to the deli area of the retail business and manages sales for all Walmart DCs across the US.