Russell Wickstein - Quality Manager

Russell ‘Rusty’ Wickstein was born in Cleve and raised on a wheat/sheep farm in Darke Peak on Eyre Peninsula.

Over the past 4 decades has had a long illustrious career working within the food sector, in a variety of roles.

“I’ve been in the food industry all my working life from smallgoods making, Department of Primary Industry as a meat inspector for export meatworks and Food safety auditor, prior to this position.”

Russell started as Quality manager 2009 when Faye Sharpe retired, splitting her role with Julie Frankcom, with the increased throughputs that continued to rise.

“I started in an esky as an office with the sales guys prior to the despatch and offices extension.”

Russell has witnessed a real shift and evolution within the food landscape over recent years.

“The food industry as a whole is becoming very technology based from all the new equipment through to food testing and increasingly high customer expectations. The everchanging food safety and quality expectations are the most challenging parts of the job.”

When asked about the friends he has made and some memories from the past 10 years, Russell, being one of Almondco’s resident stirrers provides a very tongue in cheek ‘Rusty’ answer.

“None. No fun, no friends.”

“The people and day to day banter in the workforce is the most pleasing part of the job”.

Outside of work Russell’s interest includes a range of sports, but mainly golf, AFL and cricket. Family also takes up a lot of Russell’s spare time.

“I love my grandkids and taking them out when I can (if they could only come up with a way of having them without your own it would be great). I also really love taking my dog for a walk every day.”

Thank you for your hard work and dedication Russell, working closely with our growers and overseeing Almondco’s strict quality control over the past 10 years.