In this episode I had the privilege of chatting with RaeJean Wilson, Director of HR/Communications of GloryBee - a supplier of natural and organic ingredients to manufacturers, bakeries and consumers for decades. We discuss the how the naturals industry has changed (and stayed the same) since the company’s founding in the 1970’s as well as how the brand has evolved from a simple expression of love to one of stewardship for the greater good. Along the way we discuss the efforts GloryBee is making to ensure the future of honeybees, and to make sure the brand continues to stand as a leader and information source for farming practices as they relate to pollination, general food production and the overall health of our planet.
“It isn't about one business or one company; it's about all of us doing things together to make this world better.” - RaeJean Wilson
 
In this episode we learn:
The challenges and joys of leading a brand through the evolving naturals industry.
How farming practices have evolved and how the introduction of food science has affected the honey and sweetness industry.
How RaeJean and her family have managed transitional leadership change.
Why food is considered a love language.
How bee propagation is instrumental in the success of and industry that is leaning more and more heavily into plant based diets and products.
Why leadership doesn’t need to be heavy handed to be effective.

 
About RaeJean Wilson:
RaeJean Wilson is the daughter of GloryBee Founders Dick and Pat Turanski. RaeJean has served in the family business in several capacities for 25+  years. After earning a BA in Public Health at the University of Oregon, her focus was on sales and building GloryBee’s customer base. RaeJean now serves as GloryBee’s Director of HR and Communications, overseeing marketing, human resources, safety, sustainability, and community outreach.  
RaeJean is married with two adult sons and a daughter. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, wine, and travel.        
Guests Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raejean-wilson-9154221ab/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GloryBeeFoods 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/glorybeefoods/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GloryBeeFoods/ 
Show Resources:
GloryBee - With over 45 years of experience in the natural foods industry, we have been supplying natural and organic ingredients to Pacific Northwest natural food manufacturers, bakeries, and shops for decades. It’s likely that you’ve enjoyed our ingredients in your favorite natural and organic prepared foods and restaurant meals! You may even have a jar of our honey, coconut oil or natural sweetener in your pantry at home.
SAVE the BEE: Led by GloryBee, the SAVE the BEE Initiative is a partnership of researchers, beekeepers, businesses and consumers committed to protecting honey bees.
B-Corp - Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Seattle Pacific University: is a premier Christian university that equips people to engage the culture and change the world.
The University of Oregon: is a public flagship research university in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1876, the institution's 295-acre campus is along the Willamette River.
Franz Bakery: is a source for the highest quality breads, bagels, buns, English muffins, cookies and more.
Eugene Mission: We are not a homeless shelter in the traditional sense. While we certainly provide our guests with food and shelter – and do so with an abundance of God's love.
Oakshire Brewing: is a community-inspired, small-batch brewing company founded in 2006. We are locally owned, employ 24 people, and produce a wide variety of fresh, quality beers through our three distinct brewing programs.
Episode Sponsor - Retail Voodoo:
A brand development firm that builds, grows and evolves brands in the food, beverage, wellness, and fitness industry. If your brand is in need of positioning, package design, or marketing activation, we’re here to help. You can find more information at www.retail-voodoo.com