Almond Leadership Program: Mentor Spotlight – Q&A With Bret Sill

Q. How are you involved in the almond industry? 

A. I am a 4th generation almond grower and current mentor in the Almond Leadership Program. 

Q. How did you get involved with the Almond Leadership Program and how many years have you been a mentor? 

A. Transitioning from the Produce industry to the almond industry I had a lot to learn in a short time to get there. I applied to go through the Almond Leadership Program to meet the up-and-coming leaders in our Industry and learn all the different aspects of the almond industry. 

Q. What is your favorite part of being a mentor in the Almond Leadership Program? 

A. Meeting new people and going to seminars and learning about what’s new in the industry. 

Q. What is your favorite memory during your time as a mentor? 

A. Meeting my former mentee, Kyle McClintock, and his family and spending time with them on a wine tour in Napa.  

Q. What advice do you have for young almond leaders?  

A. Be open to change. Our industry is changing by the minute and each year is another challenge. To keep up with the ever-changing industry you need to be connected with Industry leaders and embrace technology and discern what will work for your operation. 

Q. How do you like to eat almonds? 

A. My go to, mid-afternoon stack is a stick of celery covered with delicious almond butter.