Wendy Blackwell/Blanco

• 27+ years with Costco

  • Started in Warehouse #301, Danvers Massachusetts

  • In the NE Costco depot (forklift—liked to go fast)

  • Worked in the NE office in MA

  • Transferred to Corporate in 1995 in Issaquah, WA and held positions in non-foods

  • Transferred to the MW in 1998 to open the region (helped open TX and SE too)

    • Buyer in D12 (Candy/Nuts/Snacks) I was on national buy teams as well as being a regional senior buyer. Negotiating programs , cost, tasting, creating, innovating, presenting to over 100 managers per month and crafted power point presentations were just a part of my job.

    • D13 (Dry Grocery). I worked on categories such as cereal, spreads, bakery items, sauces and coffee/tea. Major companies I’ve worked with include, Kelloggs, General Mills, Pepsico (including Quaker, Frito Lay and Gatorade) and others…just ask me!

  • Instrumental with several private label items under the Kirkland Signature Brand

  • Worked on developing items such as Skinny Pop, Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels and Bark Thins among others in these categories.

  • Spent time in non-foods, grocery, candy/snacks including creating gift baskets for holidays.

• Most recently I’ve had the opportunity to work on accounts from the “other” side as a broker. Currently working with a lot of national, regional and international companies on innovation, creation, packaging and sales.