Born and raised in the Central Valley, Sage Brinkman has been immersed in agriculture her entire life. She serves as Sales and Procurement Representative at Rivermaid, managing domestic accounts while supporting fruit purchasing for The Gifting Company.

Sage holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis and brings hands-on experience across farming, sales, production, and operations within the cherry industry. Her background provides a practical understanding of the business from orchard to customer. Having worked in multiple roles throughout the industry, she offers a well-rounded perspective and the flexibility to step in wherever needed.

Sage believes that understanding the full process is essential to serving customers well. “When you understand the commodity from bloom to box, you can confidently give customers accurate information and make sure they are receiving the highest quality fruit for their program.”

Outside of work, Sage runs a family dog rescue and spends her free time camping and hunting with family and friends. Whether in the field or at her desk, she approaches each day with focus and a get-it-done mindset.

Chris Medeiros serves as Export Manager at Rivermaid, bringing a wealth of experience in agricultural operations, grower development, and strategic market growth. With a deep understanding of both domestic and international fresh fruit markets, Chris has played a pivotal role in building programs that connect growers to efficient, high-quality supply chains.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris contributes to the broader agricultural community through service on boards such as the CAC San Joaquin Valley Air Board, the Central California Irrigation District, and several community farm organizations. His leadership extends beyond the office, he is an avid hunter and angler, pursuing these passions across the country and globe.

Chris combines his operational expertise with a commitment to community and sustainable agriculture, helping Rivermaid strengthen relationships with growers, partners, and the broader industry.

Karla was born and raised right here in Lodi, CA.  She joined the Rivermaid team in 2011, gaining experience from different positions held such as receptionist, sales assistant, and worked her way up to becoming a sales coordinator. Karla’s responsible for providing support to the other sales members and key customers as well as overseeing export processes for cherries and pears.

During her time at Rivermaid, Karla also completed her bachelor’s degree at Chico State University.

“I’ve worked with a lot of amazing people during my time here at Rivermaid and I consider this place my second home/ family,” she says. “I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from my co-workers and the opportunities I’ve been given to expand my knowledge of the produce industry.”

Karla continues to grow and lead at Rivermaid.  In 2019, in addition to her other duties, Karla began establishing sales accounts of her own.

In her spare time, Karla enjoys spending time with family, reading at the local coffee shop, and tending her flower/ berry  garden.

With 29 years of experience in the Northwest pear industry, Scott is responsible for developing Rivermaid Trading Company’s base of growers and products in this strategic region. Scott says, “Produce is in my blood.” And he has the pedigree to prove it, with a father who served as a produce buyer for Kroger in the 1970s.

“I remember going to the Los Angeles Produce Market with him as a kid, as he bought produce for the warehouse,” Scott recalls. “I liked the interaction between buyer and seller – it was business done on a handshake, and it’s essentially done the same way today.”

Scott understands that the produce business relies on personal relationships, and is largely based on trust. Developing trust means consistently performing for both our growers and customers, product after product, year after year. He also understands the risks of farming, and enjoys helping our growers become as successful as possible.

With a degree in Business Management from Northwest Nazarene College, Scott appreciates Rivermaid Trading Company’s approach to business. “We’re an industry leader, a forward thinker, with progressive owners and young, aggressive management,” he says. “At the same time, we’re good stewards of the land, responsibly keeping it in a healthy state and giving back to our community and our industry in many ways.”

In his spare time, Scott likes to fish with his kids, coach high school girls softball and basketball, play golf and enjoy a good cigar. He also serves on the Pear Bureau Northwest Promotional Board and the Fresh Pear Committee Board, and has been a Salvation Army board member for six years. Scott is on the Foundation Board of Cascade Christian High School.

Hailing from the Midwest, Justin was born and raised in Michigan. In 2014, he started his professional career in the produce industry after moving to the Sacramento area to manage a fresh vegetable operation. Prior to entering California agriculture, Justin held multiple positions with Michigan based retailer Meijer while completing studies at Ferris State University.

“Agriculture has always been a part of my life.” Justin says. “In my early childhood, I would ride around in the semis of our family business with my dad or grandpa to local dairies and haul the raw milk to be processed. I started ‘officially’ working in the summers at the age of 12, de-tasseling seed corn. As an adult, I’ve spent years working with great mentors learning how to grow, pack, and market fresh fruits and vegetables.”

In February 2019, Justin and his family moved from West Sacramento to Lodi, California to join the Rivermaid team. He hopes to add new perspective from his time spent in retail grocery, and add value to new and existing customers.

In his spare time Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, hiking and camping in national parks, catching a hockey game, and traveling around the country to visit family.