SOO BRAND - Key Persons
Brad Watson was the first fourth-generation family member to join JC Watson, working for the company throughout high school and college. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho, Brad worked for Fabco and Northrup Grumman in California for three years. He rejoined JC Watson in 2009. Since then, he has been a leader in efficiency, innovation, and product diversification.
After attending the University of Wyoming, Colbie went back to Western Nebraska to farm with his brother and father. He moved to Idaho in 2008 and worked as a pest control advisor for Helena Chemical Company before joining JC Watson in 2010 as the crop manager. He now manages row crops and JC Watson's hop operation.
Duane joined JC Watson in high school working part-time at the shed in Nyssa, Oregon. Beginning in 1996, he ran the company's apple line for six years before taking over apple and seed onion storage management. Duane started running the onion line in Parma in 2005 and now oversees both packing operations in Parma and Wilder.
Emily graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in business marketing and management. She then worked for a small software company that developed ERP software for growers, packers, and shippers of fresh and frozen produce before moving on to Bayer (Nunhem's Vegetable Seed Company). While there, she was a global marketing specialist for onions, lettuce, and spinach, and finished her career there as a crop sales manager for carrots, lettuce, spinach, leeks, and artichokes.
Emily brings a wealth of outside expertise to her role as the director of the company's marketing, key customer management, and contract business efforts.
Jamie worked in the legal field following her graduation from College of Idaho before joining us in 2001. Jamie has taken on many roles during her nearly 20 years at JC Watson, and throughout it all she has developed excellent relationships with our customer base. She focuses on our contract business and manages our railroad partnerships.
Jon Watson is the third generation to helm JC Watson, following in the footsteps of his dad, who took over the company in 1965. Jon graduated from the University of Idaho in 1972 and joined his family, including his grandfather Jim Watson, at the company.
Jon has been the cornerstone of innovation for the company over the past 60+ years. He narrowed JC Watson's focus by eliminating the company's apple and potato packing arms to focus exclusively on onions. His family members continue the JC Watson tradition: His wife, Margaret; his son, Brad; and his daughter, Emily Watson Libsack, are all involved in the company.
Kent has led the sales team for JC Watson for 14 years, during which he's increased volume for our year-round program. He brings nearly 45 years of experience in the vegetable industry: His first produce experience was loading rail cars in high school, and he expanded into working with commodities and large buying groups. He was previously employed by Southern Produce, Sysco/Fresh Point, Alliant Food Service, and Kraft Food Service.
Job Titles:
- VP GROWER RELATIONS - RETIRED
After attending Boise State University, Marc went into the family stone fruit and apple business before joining JC Watson in 1986. He managed the company's tree fruit side before transferring to row crop operations, specializing in onions and onion production. Marc has been an integral member of JC Watson and is responsible for farming, storage management support, seed selection, and outside grower relations. Marc retired from JC Watson Packing company after the 2020 growing season.
Job Titles:
- ACCOUNT MANAGER & TRANSPORTATION
Sharon has held many roles in our finance department since joining JC Watson in 2011. Since 2015, she has worked in our sales department, where she is responsible for all truck-related transportation and supports our retail and national account business. She has developed strong relationships with our national accounts and has streamlined our retail business.
Terry racked up more than 20 years of experience in food processing, buying, sales, and food safety in the Las Vegas area before joining JC Watson in 2006. He is the company's shipping inventory manager and food safety director and oversees its compliance with numerous federal and international programs.