Gary Smith

Provide consulting, management and evaluation services to private companies and banks. Built a company to a staff of 6 looking a companies totaling ~$700M in annual sales and lending needs. Reduced this company in 2015 as commitment to Ingleby grew.

From 2018, led team of 70 in farming 3450 acres of pistachios, processing 10-18M pounds of pistachios annually. Oversaw design, construction, and operations of the processing plant that is operated with 50% of the staff used by other facilities. Implemented new farming practices that reduced pesticide use 95% while decreasing insect damage to the crop. Reduced number of operational passes 45% and cost 20%. Increased soil organic matter 1% in five years. Yields were maintained with protein levels in the pistachios increased 50%.

In addition, oversaw annual crop farming on 500 acres and environmental habitat restoration on 400 acres.

Oversaw operations and strategic decisions for Eriksson LLC farming operations. Implemented strategic steps to secure irrigation water for the farming operation, anticipating future restrictions. Represented Ingleby Farms and Forests on water boards and pistachio industry organizations. From 2014-2017, oversaw the design and building of a new pistachio processing facility.

Oversaw operations on Eriksson LLC as representative for Ingleby Farms and Forests. Negotiated management, marketing, and lease contracts. Monitored all financial activity and performance.

Commercial lending and appraisal work with both banks. Primarily in the agriculture and asset based lending areans.