Ryan Gillespie
Grafton, Wisconsin, United States
587 followers
500+ connections
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587 followers
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisHonored to be featured in this year’s “8 to Watch” alumni publication through the Wisconsin School of Business! During busy times, it’s nice to pause and reflect on the journey, embrace authenticity, and stay inspired to create a positive impact. I’m grateful and humbled to be recognized alongside this group of Badgers. Thank you, WSB! https://lnkd.in/g7JNESaP Photography by Drew Anthony Smith
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisI first met Jim Sartori in 2010, thanks to Mary McNevin and Brad Nicholson. Sartori was the first company outside of McCain Foods where I had the privilege of facilitating a workshop on Selling and Negotiating. Well, here we are, 16 years later and still talking business, family, faith, travelling, sports, health, politics, hobbies, philanthropy… And Yes, Sartori Cheese (led by his son Bert, 4th generation) is still an incredible client that continues to blow me away in terms of the quality of their people (past/present), business growth, community involvement and the mission that they’re on to make the best cheese in the world. I’m so grateful to consider Jim a friend and mentor that continues to inspire, educate and make me laugh. My hope for all of you is that you have a Jim Sartori in your corner.🧡 Mary McNevin, Ed.D., PCC Brad Nicholson Sartori Company
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisMy career as a bartender lasted one day. I was in Sydney. My Commonwealth Bank account was basically empty. A friend offered me a trial shift at a country music bar and I said yes without thinking twice. The first hour was fine. Then the band started playing. I couldn’t understand a word. The music was loud, the accents were thick, and people were shouting orders at me from every direction. I messed up two drinks. Expensive ones. I was so scared of being fired on my first day that I quietly took money out of my own pocket and refunded the customers myself. Desperate? Absolutely. But I wasn’t going home without finishing that shift. I didn’t get fired. But I never went back. When it was over, the buses to Bondi had stopped running. It was raining. I started walking. Broke, soaking wet, and honestly questioning what I was doing with my life. Then a woman, she must have been around 60, walked up beside me without saying a word and put her umbrella over my head. A complete stranger. No reason to help me. She just did. I’ve never forgotten that. On LinkedIn we talk a lot about KPIs, targets, market expansion, and growth strategies. And those things matter. But we almost never talk about the people who quietly show up and give you a hand when you have nothing to offer in return. The friend who gives you a job when you’re running out of money. The stranger who puts an umbrella over your head in the rain. The colleague who vouches for you when no one else knows your name. Nobody measures that. It doesn’t appear in any P&L. But without those people, most of us wouldn’t be where we are today. Today I sit in my office in Hamburg planning the next 10 years. And I still think about that woman in Sydney. The path that brought me here wasn’t built on strategies alone. It was built on moments like that one. There are people in your life who show up without being asked and change the direction of things. Sometimes you don’t even realize it until years later. Who is one of those people for you? #Leadership #ExpatLife
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisThere was a little girl set up on the sidewalk with a table full of girl scout cookies. My appreciation for the little sleeve roller upper forced me to stop and buy a box of cookies. She hit me with “why” she was doing what she was doing, not “what” she was selling. How could I say no to that? I asked which she recommended and she pointed at the “adventurefuls” and replied “these because they taste like brownies but are easier to eat because they are cookies.” I liked the suggestion so grabbed a box and offered my cash. But she explored to see if there was anything left on the table and asked “Do you like mint?” “Yes I do and so does my wife.” “Then you’ll like the thin mints.” Her mom smiled. Transaction complete. I walked away feeling good I helped the girl scouts in a small way and was happy to see the skill in this kid. And the cookies ain’t too shabby either.
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisWe’re incredibly honored and grateful to receive the Excellence in Exports Award this year from the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)! This award is a great recognition of the collective effort of our incredible teams across the U.S. and Asia, our valued producer and brand partners, and the trust of customers who help bring U.S. cheese to tables around the world. Thank you to USDEC for this amazing recognition and great support to the growth of U.S. dairy exports globally. We’re so proud to represent American cheese on the world stage and we look forward to achieving more together!! #USDEC #ExcellenceInExports #USDairy #AmericanCheese #ExportExcellence #GlobalBusiness #FoodExport #USCheeses
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisAt Sartori, our mission of Making the Best Cheese in the World goes beyond the product. It’s built on the strength of our people and fosters a safe and supportive environment. We’re proud to recognize one of our second-shift supervisors, Kara Everson, for receiving the Difference Maker award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to building a “Culture of Safety”. Kara has taken ownership of multiple safety initiatives, driving meaningful improvements that not only support her team but also positively impact others across the organization. Her efforts reflect strong collaboration, a continuous improvement mindset, and the kind of integrity and leadership that define our values. Congratulations, Kara, and thank you for the impact you continue to make! #safety #support #recognition #cheeselovers
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisSartori Company called its new flavor a “savory twist” that is both “approachable enough for everyday enjoyment” and distinctive. ⬇️ Details ⬇️ https://ow.ly/cybP50YBYGt #cheese #dairy #dairyindustry 📷: Sartori
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisI am beyond grateful for the opportunity to attend the WFF Leadership Conference this past week. It was an inspiring few days focused not only on growing as a professional, but also as a person. Throughout the conference, I was reminded how important it is to look at life with curiosity instead of judgement, invest in meaningful relationships, and continue learning from the people and perspectives around me. Growth isn’t only about building new skills - it’s about becoming a more thoughtful, empathetic, and well-rounded human along the way. Thank you, Sartori, for investing in my development and creating opportunities like this. I returned to the office yesterday feeling refreshed and motivated to bring new ideas and energy to our team. 10/10 recommend this conference to all women and male allies in the realm of foodservice!
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Ryan Gillespie liked thisRyan Gillespie liked thisLast week, we held our annual Christmas party. It was a great time, filled with delicious food, fun games, and reflections on our successes in 2025—while looking ahead to what Pine River has in store for 2026. #pinerivercheesespread #wisconsin #annualparty #cheese #pineriver
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