Gordon Harton

I had some family friends in high school who were food science majors and they really enjoyed what they did. I liked the major because it was part of the agriculture industry, which is a fairly stable industry relative to others. It also allowed me to balance my classes between the technical science courses and some applicable business courses. I wanted to get a SMET degree and had a passion for agriculture. I knew some people that were food science majors and they seemed to enjoy what they were doing.

• Food Science Club
• Product Development Competition Teams
• Value-added Food Processing Lab
• National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)
• Theta Xi Fraternity

• Rabbit Creek Products – Wrote the companies HACCP plans, did some research and development, worked the various steps along the production line
• Seaboard Foods – Analyzed and ranked customers based on volume, consistency, and margin, Forecasted production for sales department and analyzed optimal forward sales, Hands on experience of fully integrated company including processing plant and farms
• OsbornBarr - Ensured the creative pieces were integrated with the client’s product messaging, Created a plan to increase company awareness for OsbornBarr in agricultural community

I lead a team of 12 employees, and oversee sales at 120 stores. I verify the day to day execution on promotional activities, and sell for more incremental space on a weekly basis.

The independence and responsibility that they entrust with me.

The long days and hours that I work.

Marketing professor, David Lehman. He mentored me, and taught me a lot about depth and complexity of marketing, specifically related to product placement, and product launches.