Trader Joe's Captain Began As "Box Boy"

Johann Patterson, the very personable Captain of the Trader Joe's store in University Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks, left an indelible, positive impression on students in Ritch's Marketing class today.  Taking time from his busy schedule to be with students, the energetic, outgoing and inspiring store manager shared how he rose from his entry level job to manage the "neighborhood store" close to the California Lutheran University campus.

The Captain also spoke about the history, culture and products that comprise TJ's brand.  Additionally, he gave examples which directly related to student interest in not just getting a job but also how to keep it.  The Captain is a wonderful ambassador for the highly popular grocery with great natural products at reasonable prices. 

Sparky Will Be Greatly Missed

I first met George "Sparky" Anderson during a "Roast and Toast" reception for Domino's Pizza CEO Tom Monaghan, the then new owner of the Detroit Tigers.  We held the special event in Crisler Arena on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor after the Tigers beat the San Diego Padres to win the 1984 World Series.

Many years later when I was recruited to spearhead the first integrated marketing and communications function at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Sparky and I recounted that wonderful experience.  While many people knew him better than me, few admired him more.  Like the great Tigers announcer, Ernie Harwell, who joined us for the dedication of Sparky's diamond on the CLU campus, he will be greatly missed.

Our community, our state and our nation have lost one of the most gracious, thoughtful, humble and knowledgeable baseball strategists we will ever know.

KevinRoss Public Relations' President Gives Students Real-life PR Lessons

President Ross Goldberg helped Ritch's marketing students focus on the keys to success in the profession.

Drawing from his more than 30 years of marketing communications experience at such major companies as the Hyatt Corporation, CareAmerica (now part of Blue Shield of CA) and UniHealth, Ross talked about the important roles of public relations, marketing and branding.

He provided rich examples on how the three roles all need to work together to send memorable and consistent messages to an organization's many internal and external constituencies.

Ross also discussed how PR executives are really tested when crises occur and fielded a number of student questions.

Hail to Michigan

Ritch and Joan were in Ann Arbor to help commemorate the 50^th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s famous speech suggesting the creation of a Peace Corps given on the steps of the Michigan Union at 2:00 a.m. on October 14, 1960. 

Ritch shares some ideas with Alumni Association President and CEO Steve Grafton, University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, and Vice President for Development Jerry May

Ritch attended the two-day fall board meeting of the University of Michigan Alumni Association.  One of the highlights was watching the Michigan-Iowa football game from the Alumni Association Suite and visiting with University dignitaries.

David Brandon, former Chairman and CEO of Domino's Pizza and newly appointed Michigan Athletic Director, and Ritch meet before halftime.  

"Suite moment" during the Michigan - Iowa football game in the Big House.  

Students Juiced by "Hands On" Learning at Limoneira Company

Harold Edwards, president and CEO of Limoneira Company in Santa Paula, CA and John Chamberlain, marketing director, ensured that Ritch's university marketing class were exposed to the global company's strategic vision and marketing prescription for the future.  

For more than 116 years, Limoneira has been a model company committed to its employees, its community and its shareholders by producing the highest quality citrus while also being a pioneer in sustainability practices.  

Students are duly impressed by the solar orchard that provides about 70% of the firm's energy needs.   

"Behind the Scenes" at Four Seasons Hotel

The leadership team at the Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village, provided a fascinating "insider" exposure to their luxury hotel business to Ritch's Cal Lutheran University marketing class.  Pictured below are Rob Hagelberg, hotel manager, discussing how to deliver an extraordinary guest experience. Then, Stuart Burdette, sales and marketing director, huddles with Ritch as HR director Jim Cathcart listens.  The next photo shows Jelle Vandenbrouche, executive sous chef, explaining to students the storage and preparation of his world renown meals while Purchasing's Henry Briseno looks on. In the final photo, Jim Cathcart discusses Four Seasons' selective hiring process.

Sage Publications President & CEO Blaise Simqu, speaking recently in Ritch’s CLU marketing class, believes it’s vital to keep one’s commitments, whether it is to an employee, board member, supplier or manager. It’s what he calls “Calendar Integrity”and was part of his inspiring and engaging presentation entitled “From History Major to CEO: Lessons Learned along the Way.”