In our interview episode for this month, you heard what it's like to build a business as a family. This episode, Addie and Tiffany pick up the next chapter: succession planning. Succession planning is a business continuity strategy every family-owned exporter needs, not a one-time conversation to have on someone's last day of work. Whether the goal is passing a business to the next generation, preparing it for sale, or simply making sure things keep running if life throws a curveball, this episode will help you get the ball rolling.Key topics covered:<ul><li>Why succession planning matters even more for exporters, since international buyers value long-term consistency and reliability from their partners</li><li>The gap between intention and execution</li><li>The risk of too much institutional knowledge - freight forwarders, buyer relationships, country-specific documentation, vendor contacts - living in one person's head</li><li>Preparing future leaders through hands-on experience across every department, not just handing over a title</li><li>Practical first steps for succession planning</li></ul>Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Bluebird Grain Farms, a family-owned Washington-based producer of certified organic ancient grains and a WUSATA participant for five years. Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://bluebirdgrainfarms.com" target="_blank">bluebirdgrainfarms.com</a>.

In our interview episode for this month, you heard what it's like to build a business as a family. This episode, Addie and Tiffany pick up the next chapter: succession planning. Succession planning is a business continuity strategy every family-owned exporter needs, not a one-time conversation to have on someone's last day of work. Whether the goal is passing a business to the next generation, preparing it for sale, or simply making sure things keep running if life throws a curveball, this episode will help you get the ball rolling. Key topics covered:Why succession planning matters even more for exporters, since international buyers value long-term consistency and reliability from their partnersThe gap between intention and executionThe risk of too much institutional knowledge - freight forwarders, buyer relationships, country-specific documentation, vendor contacts - living in one person's headPreparing future leaders through hands-on experience across every department, not just handing over a titlePractical first steps for succession planningSponsor:This episode is brought to you by Bluebird Grain Farms, a family-owned Washington-based producer of certified organic ancient grains and a WUSATA participant for five years. Learn more at bluebirdgrainfarms.com.

In our interview episode for this month, you heard what it's like to build a business as a family. This episode, Addie and Tiffany pick up the next chapter: succession planning. Succession planning is a business continuity strategy every family-owned exporter needs, not a one-time conversation to have on someone's last day of work. Whether the goal is passing a business to the next generation, preparing it for sale, or simply making sure things keep running if life throws a curveball, this episode will help you get the ball rolling.Key topics covered:<ul><li>Why succession planning matters even more for exporters, since international buyers value long-term consistency and reliability from their partners</li><li>The gap between intention and execution</li><li>The risk of too much institutional knowledge - freight forwarders, buyer relationships, country-specific documentation, vendor contacts - living in one person's head</li><li>Preparing future leaders through hands-on experience across every department, not just handing over a title</li><li>Practical first steps for succession planning</li></ul>Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Bluebird Grain Farms, a family-owned Washington-based producer of certified organic ancient grains and a WUSATA participant for five years. Learn more at <a href="http://bluebirdgrainfarms.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">bluebirdgrainfarms.com</a>.

009: Succession, Minus the Drama (Deep Dive)

How does a product that started as a college tour fundraiser at a Guam night market turn into an international export? On this episode, Addie talks with Christina and Marvin Crisostomo of Local Jerk, a veteran-owned family business built around Dinanche, a traditional Guam pepper condiment made with locally grown chilies, coconut milk, and crab paste. What began as a side project has turned into an export business reaching Palau and Japan, with South Korea next on the list.Christina and Marvin share:<ul><li>The origin story of the company and what makes Dinanche unique</li><li>Running a business as spouses and managing work/life balance</li><li>How export-readiness training through GEDA's Guam STEP Program and mentorship from GUMA<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.gumaguam.com/" target="_blank"> </a>helped turn a side hustle into an export business</li><li>What surprised them most about entering the Japanese market, and new flavor innovations targeted to specific customer bases</li><li>Keeping production and distribution going through typhoon season, when power and produce supply chains are both on the line</li></ul>Connect with the company and learn more here:<ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="www.localjerkguam.com" target="_blank">Local Jerk </a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="www.investguam.com/step" target="_blank">Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) / Guam STEP program</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="www.gumaguam.com" target="_blank">GUMA (Guam Unique Merchandise and Art)</a></li></ul>

How does a product that started as a college tour fundraiser at a Guam night market turn into an international export? On this episode, Addie talks with Christina and Marvin Crisostomo of Local Jerk, a veteran-owned family business built around Dinanche, a traditional Guam pepper condiment made with locally grown chilies, coconut milk, and crab paste. What began as a side project has turned into an export business reaching Palau and Japan, with South Korea next on the list. Christina and Marvin share:The origin story of the company and what makes Dinanche uniqueRunning a business as spouses and managing work/life balanceHow export-readiness training through GEDA's Guam STEP Program and mentorship from GUMA helped turn a side hustle into an export businessWhat surprised them most about entering the Japanese market, and new flavor innovations targeted to specific customer basesKeeping production and distribution going through typhoon season, when power and produce supply chains are both on the lineConnect with the company and learn more here:Local Jerk Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) / Guam STEP programGUMA (Guam Unique Merchandise and Art)

How does a product that started as a college tour fundraiser at a Guam night market turn into an international export? On this episode, Addie talks with Christina and Marvin Crisostomo of Local Jerk, a veteran-owned family business built around Dinanche, a traditional Guam pepper condiment made with locally grown chilies, coconut milk, and crab paste. What began as a side project has turned into an export business reaching Palau and Japan, with South Korea next on the list.Christina and Marvin share:<ul><li>The origin story of the company and what makes Dinanche unique</li><li>Running a business as spouses and managing work/life balance</li><li>How export-readiness training through GEDA's Guam STEP Program and mentorship from GUMA<a href="https://www.gumaguam.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a>helped turn a side hustle into an export business</li><li>What surprised them most about entering the Japanese market, and new flavor innovations targeted to specific customer bases</li><li>Keeping production and distribution going through typhoon season, when power and produce supply chains are both on the line</li></ul>Connect with the company and learn more here:<ul><li><a href="www.localjerkguam.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Local Jerk </a></li><li><a href="www.investguam.com/step" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) / Guam STEP program</a></li><li><a href="www.gumaguam.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">GUMA (Guam Unique Merchandise and Art)</a></li></ul>

008: Keeping it in the Family (Interview - Local Jerk)

🌍 Ever wondered how your favorite organic products cross borders?In our latest episode of Trade Roots, we dive deep into the journey of organic products from the US to international markets. Did you know that the USDA organic label is one of the most recognized food labels worldwide? But just because consumers recognize it doesn’t mean it’s automatically accepted everywhere! In this episode, Tiffany and Addie discuss equivalency agreements with countries like the EU, UK, and Japan, and what to do when you encounter markets without these agreements.We dive into the nuts and bolts: the step-by-step journey to get certified for international markets, how to leverage USDA’s cost-share programs to save money, and critical tips for labelling and documentation that make compliance a breeze. Don’t let unknown regulations slow your growth! Instead, equip yourself with knowledge, avoid costly delays, and unlock global markets with confidence.<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/income-support/organic-certification-cost-share-program-occsp" target="_blank">USDA Organic Cost Share Program</a>

🌍 Ever wondered how your favorite organic products cross borders? In our latest episode of Trade Roots, we dive deep into the journey of organic products from the US to international markets. Did you know that the USDA organic label is one of the most recognized food labels worldwide? But just because consumers recognize it doesn’t mean it’s automatically accepted everywhere! In this episode, Tiffany and Addie discuss equivalency agreements with countries like the EU, UK, and Japan, and what to do when you encounter markets without these agreements. We dive into the nuts and bolts: the step-by-step journey to get certified for international markets, how to leverage USDA’s cost-share programs to save money, and critical tips for labelling and documentation that make compliance a breeze. Don’t let unknown regulations slow your growth! Instead, equip yourself with knowledge, avoid costly delays, and unlock global markets with confidence. USDA Organic Cost Share Program

🌍 Ever wondered how your favorite organic products cross borders?In our latest episode of Trade Roots, we dive deep into the journey of organic products from the US to international markets. Did you know that the USDA organic label is one of the most recognized food labels worldwide? But just because consumers recognize it doesn’t mean it’s automatically accepted everywhere! In this episode, Tiffany and Addie discuss equivalency agreements with countries like the EU, UK, and Japan, and what to do when you encounter markets without these agreements.We dive into the nuts and bolts: the step-by-step journey to get certified for international markets, how to leverage USDA’s cost-share programs to save money, and critical tips for labelling and documentation that make compliance a breeze. Don’t let unknown regulations slow your growth! Instead, equip yourself with knowledge, avoid costly delays, and unlock global markets with confidence.<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/income-support/organic-certification-cost-share-program-occsp" rel="noopener noreferrer">USDA Organic Cost Share Program</a>

007: Organic Odyssey (Deep Dive)

Calling all agri-businesses and trail mix-enthusiasts alike! 🥾In this episode, Addie and Tiffany chat with Karla from Mariani Packing. They talk about how the 120-year-old company's journey of vertical integration gives them control in the export process, even when crop yields, tariff rates, and oil prices fluctuate. Plus, get the scoop on the drying process for fruits and how these products traverse international markets.You’ll hear about:<ul><li>How vertical integration supports quality and consistency</li><li>The processing methods behind raisins, prunes, and other dried fruits</li><li>Why dried fruit performs well in international markets</li><li>How market demand is shifting across regions and product categories</li></ul>Whether you’re in food, trade, or just curious about what it takes to move a product from farm to shelf around the world, this conversation offers practical insight into a highly specialized industry. Connect with Mariani <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mariani.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqURnRm-u-t-GcGqtjzGglpHpV2Q2nlG52fvKiJ9mMciF_9jUrg" target="_blank">here</a>. Maybe give their dried mango a try while you're at it!

Calling all agri-businesses and trail mix-enthusiasts alike! 🥾 In this episode, Addie and Tiffany chat with Karla from Mariani Packing. They talk about how the 120-year-old company's journey of vertical integration gives them control in the export process, even when crop yields, tariff rates, and oil prices fluctuate. Plus, get the scoop on the drying process for fruits and how these products traverse international markets. You’ll hear about:How vertical integration supports quality and consistencyThe processing methods behind raisins, prunes, and other dried fruitsWhy dried fruit performs well in international marketsHow market demand is shifting across regions and product categories Whether you’re in food, trade, or just curious about what it takes to move a product from farm to shelf around the world, this conversation offers practical insight into a highly specialized industry. Connect with Mariani here. Maybe give their dried mango a try while you're at it!

Calling all agri-businesses and trail mix-enthusiasts alike! 🥾In this episode, Addie and Tiffany chat with Karla from Mariani Packing. They talk about how the 120-year-old company's journey of vertical integration gives them control in the export process, even when crop yields, tariff rates, and oil prices fluctuate. Plus, get the scoop on the drying process for fruits and how these products traverse international markets.You’ll hear about:<ul><li>How vertical integration supports quality and consistency</li><li>The processing methods behind raisins, prunes, and other dried fruits</li><li>Why dried fruit performs well in international markets</li><li>How market demand is shifting across regions and product categories</li></ul>Whether you’re in food, trade, or just curious about what it takes to move a product from farm to shelf around the world, this conversation offers practical insight into a highly specialized industry. Connect with Mariani <a href="https://mariani.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqURnRm-u-t-GcGqtjzGglpHpV2Q2nlG52fvKiJ9mMciF_9jUrg" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. Maybe give their dried mango a try while you're at it!

006: Raisin' the Bar (Interview - Mariani Packing Company)

It's official - WUSATA's very own podcast is coming soon! The Trade Roots Podcast is here to tell the stories of food & agriculture companies who get their products from the Western U.S. to global markets. We'll interview guests who share their own export success stories, get insightful tips from industry experts, and share helpful resources for those just starting out in the world of ag trade (or for experienced exporters looking to expand their global footprint!). Enjoy this teaser of what's to come, and stay tuned for the first official episode, coming on Tuesday, May 26th!

It's official - WUSATA's very own podcast is coming soon! The Trade Roots Podcast is here to tell the stories of food & agriculture companies who get their products from the Western U.S. to global markets. We'll interview guests who share their own export success stories, get insightful tips from industry experts, and share helpful resources for those just starting out in the world of ag trade (or for experienced exporters looking to expand their global footprint!). Enjoy this teaser of what's to come, and stay tuned for the first official episode, coming on Tuesday, May 26th!

It's official - WUSATA's very own podcast is coming soon! The Trade Roots Podcast is here to tell the stories of food &amp; agriculture companies who get their products from the Western U.S. to global markets. We'll interview guests who share their own export success stories, get insightful tips from industry experts, and share helpful resources for those just starting out in the world of ag trade (or for experienced exporters looking to expand their global footprint!). Enjoy this teaser of what's to come, and stay tuned for the first official episode, coming on Tuesday, May 26th!

Trade Roots Trailer

Most international trade content is either too narrow, too dense, or too dull. Trade Roots is different. Cross-industry. Commodity-spanning. Built on real export experience. No fluff, but definitely some fun!Each month, Tiffany and Addie follow a specific trade theme: a region, commodity, or product category. An anchor episode centers on interviews with market experts, trade insiders, and successful exporters. One bite-sized companion episode breaks down the trends, strategies, and developments behind the theme. Produced by WUSATA — the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association — Trade Roots is the podcast for not only agricultural producers and food businesses, but also anyone trade-curious and eager to compete in global markets.Subscribe now.

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Most international trade content is either too narrow, too dense, or too dull. Trade Roots is different. Cross-industry. Commodity-spanning. Built on real export experience. No fluff, but definitely some fun! Each month, Tiffany and Addie follow a specific trade theme: a region, commodity, or product category. An anchor episode centers on interviews with market experts, trade insiders, and successful exporters. One bite-sized companion episode breaks down the trends, strategies, and developments behind the theme. Produced by WUSATA — the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association — Trade Roots is the podcast for not only agricultural producers and food businesses, but also anyone trade-curious and eager to compete in global markets. Subscribe now.

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