It’s time for another Employee Spotlight!

It is our belief that at Essex the people make the business work, no matter their role.  Knowing who these amazing people that make our mint world go around is important. As a reminder, there are two sites for Essex Laboratories, one here in Chehalis WA and one in Salem OR. The next two spotlights will highlight our colleagues in Salem and hopefully let you learn a bit more about us and what makes our worlds go around.

I already know what you do Ryan but explain for the readers what your title and job is.

I am the R&D coordinator or the hands-on portion of the farm program, handling fields, greenhouses, test plot distillation and experiments.

I officially started in summer of 2021, under contract and then full time.

What do you love most about your job at Essex? 

I love solitude and working outside, and I am also a morning person. I would rather spend and do spend most of the year outside vs at a computer. Numbers are part of my process at my job, but outside is my joy, because that is where the plants are.

Ryan, what’s your favorite memory from working at the company?

Quarterly team events are always fun, because you get to see everyone. However, the year production came down to help in the fields was great, being able to see everyone and relate to them was pretty special.

Anything else memory wise?

Good and bad plant selection.

Can you describe some of the challenges you encountered?

Being a small team. Changing direction when needed sometimes makes it challenging.

Needing to do things as a team, making the time for that. Having a part-time person to defray the time has always been hugely helpful.

Weeds are a challenge! The worst weed – Puncture vine / goat’s head. Pretty plant flowers. But the thistle seed is large and can be spread by tires. Popping a bike tires, not a tractor. Canada thistle. It hurts. Goes thru pants.

Will you do it again?

Oh yeah.

Why?

I enjoy what I do. I am interested and excited about the challenges that this mint farm process provides. It is ever changing and innovating our processes and paths as we go is a must.

Describe an exciting hobby or pastime Ryan that you have that increases your abilities at work?

I have a horticulture degree, which works well with what I do here. I grow my own food and like the challenge of growing uncommon ornamentals.

What is an uncommon ornamental!

A good example is the Chief Joseph lodge pole pine, it turns a lovely shade of yellow.

Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine – Pinus contorta ‘Chief Joseph’ – PNW Plants

Finally, Ryan, what’s your secret talent that no one knows about…but are willing to share here?

Nothing specific except I collect hobbies (Coffee, Plants and Veggies to name a few). I enjoy getting proficient in the hobby, being the Jack of all trades.

 

Thank you, Ryan for sharing and being an amazing individual that we are lucky to have at Essex!

~Lena B