Quality control and team dynamics are essential for success in the produce industry, and few exemplify this better than Brittany Perez, Value Add Services Supervisor at West Pak Avocado in Dallas. In her time with the company, she has gained valuable insights into the avocado journey from Mexico to U.S. consumers and takes pride in her team’s role in this process. Brittany is passionate about her work and promotes a supportive team environment that embraces growth opportunities. In a recent interview, she discussed her own avocado journey, daily responsibilities with her team, and what makes West Pak so special.
What was your path to your current role?
Brittany: I’ve been with West Pak for about six years now. I came in as a shipping coordinator and, after a year, became lead. Then, I moved to the planning department, where I got a lot of insight into the journey of the avocado from Mexico and what it really takes to get it here. For a little bit over a year now I’m a supervisor in the bagging and production area.
What are your current responsibilities in your role?
Brittany: It’s just a big check on quality and making sure that each customer gets what they want. Whether it’s verifying they have the right type of film or the bags are coming out good quality, all of those small details really come together to create what West Pak wants the customer to see.
What is a typical workday like for you?
Brittany: Typically, I come in and meet with my team first thing in the morning, and we decide our plan and how we’re going to tackle the day. Most days, we do similar things, but every day is a different challenge. It could be something that we’re waiting on or something that we need to prioritize. So, we make sure that the team has what it needs to get through the day, and the rest should be successful.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Brittany: Everything’s pretty open here, so I’m able to express my opinion. If I disagree with something, I feel comfortable saying that. We’re more like family and a team rather than just coworkers working day-to-day.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Brittany: I think that would be our plan and how it changes. We can say at 10:00 AM that we have a plan, and by 10:02, it changes. So, we just roll with the punches and adapt.
What are the strengths that you bring to the job?
Brittany: I’m a problem solver, so whether it’s my problem or someone else is going through it, if I have knowledge that I know can help, I’m offering that and trying to make sure everybody can get through things smoothly.
What’s your favorite thing about working for West Pak as a company?
Brittany: West Pak looks for talent within. I work with so many people who started in one position, and they’ve grown tremendously. My role is an example of that. I started in one position as a temp here, I never thought I would work with avocados. West Pak is able to really pull out people’s talents and put them in places where they can excel.
If you had to name one thing that has helped you succeed in your position, what would it be?
Brittany: The support and mentorship. Everyone that I’ve come across at West Pak has been very willing to provide guidance or mentor you through things, even when it comes to dealing with stress or having a very challenging week. The directors, the management, everyone’s always willing to pull you through and guide you; so that definitely helped.
Do you feel you’ve passed that along to your team and others you work with?
Brittany: Yes, absolutely.
What’s it like working with your team?
Brittany: I have a really good team, like a left-hand and a right-hand. I have two people who work very well when it comes to passing along messages to others or just encouraging everybody and motivating them; we work hand and hand with that.
How big is your team?
Brittany: I have about ten people right now.
How do you like working in the Texas facility?
Brittany: Being in the Dallas facility, I’ve seen a lot of physical changes and technology changes. It’s amazing to see how far it’s come in the past five or six years. I know in my department, we’re expecting a few more changes so I’m just looking forward to what it can turn into.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Brittany: It’s all about family. My wife and I have three boys. So, it’s always cars, superheroes, and doing flips in the living room. It’s a little crazy but that’s what really drives me in life.
What is your favorite quote or motto?
Brittany: I like to live by: you’ll always fail if you never try.
Tell us one thing about yourself that may surprise your co-workers.
Brittany: My favorite thing, other than the kids, is doing puzzles and listening to classical music. I think maybe they wouldn’t guess that!
What is your favorite way to eat/prepare avocados?
Brittany: I love avocados. My favorite is just a simple guac: just smash it, a little bit of salt, and sometimes a little sprinkle of lime. I love eating it with grilled chicken.
