Coworker Spotlight: Meet Max Benoit, OGC Account Representative

Max chuckled and took a pause when asked what he most enjoys about working at OGC. If you know Max, you know he’s genuine and thoughtful with his words.

“I just love OGC. It’s a combination of our culture and how working in the organic trade makes me feel about how I am positively contributing.”

Addressing the climate crisis and the impact of food systems on the health of our planet and people are some of his personal passions. At OGC, Max found a career aligned with his values and allowed him to learn and grow along with an ever-evolving industry. 

He got his start in organic produce as a warehouser in OGC’s Portland facility in 2004. While it was a quick stint in that role, Max found a long-term home on the transportation team where, for eight years, he drove routes around east Portland and into the Gorge. His time as a driver gave Max a unique view into how our grower and account partners rely on OGC as an essential component of their business. 

It also afforded Max the chance to forge relationships with some of our external partners which inspired him to seek out a role that emphasized further relationship building. When the opportunity to join the Sales team presented itself, Max leaped at it knowing there were more relationship building opportunities to be had. 

He did, however, continue to pick up an occasional delivery when the transportation team was in a pinch; the trucks are really cool, and Max is truly a team player. 

OGC’s Senior Sales Manager Kristi Yoder, who has worked with Max for the last 10+ years shares, “Max is earnest, hardworking, fun and deeply cares about customers and coworkers alike. He is committed to the success of our account stakeholders.”

Caring is truly one of the best ways to describe Max. More reserved when asked to talk about how he’s feeling coming out of an unprecedented year of pandemic-buying and the impacts felt across our industry, Max wanted to shine a light on our grocery and restaurant partners and OGC’s shippers and drivers. 

“I’ve been experiencing a pronounced feeling of gratitude toward front-line workers. To the folks that have helped close the loop on getting food on the shelves and keeping people fed, you’re literally my heroes.”

Max has seen the organic industry change significantly over the past two decades and notes that the progression from small, niche natural foods communities to the broader more mainstream population welcoming organic produce has been exciting. Still, he points out that  there are so many more shoppers to convert from conventional to organic eaters.

He’s looking forward to doing his part to bring organic produce to even more people in the future.

OGC is grateful to Max and the years that he’s dedicated to making not only our company, but our community, a great place to be!