The Hiring Table

Welcome back to The Hiring Table Podcast!In this episode, we sit down with Brett Zall, a seasoned HR leader with more than 20 years of experience supporting and advancing Central Valley organizations. Brett brings a deep bench of knowledge to the table and currently leads a team of nine HR professionals at Fowler Packing.Today, we’re breaking down what really drives successful hiring and retention in today’s labor market—starting with why a strong benefits package can make or break your ability to attract talent. From employee wellness programs to HR compliance and risk management, Brett shares real-world insight from one of the Valley’s most well-known agricultural employers.Whether you’re an HR professional navigating compliance, a business leader competing for talent, or an employer looking to strengthen your people strategy, this conversation delivers practical, Central California–focused perspective you can actually use.Pull up a chair—you’re about to hear what it takes to build, support, and sustain a workforce in the Central Valley.

Welcome back to The Hiring Table Podcast! I’m Lorenzo Ramirez, and in this episode we’re diving even deeper into what makes hiring more than just a process—it’s a strategy for building lasting success. From real-world career journeys to proven leadership tactics, I’ll share stories and insights that reveal how the right people can transform not only a business, but its culture.Whether you’re a founder navigating your first hires or a seasoned executive shaping global teams, this conversation will give you practical tools and fresh perspectives to elevate your approach. Pull up a chair—you’re about to discover what it truly takes to hire, grow, and lead in today’s competitive world.

Step back into The Hiring Table Podcast with me, Lorenzo Ramirez! I sit down with Michelle Cucchiara, CPA—Acting Vice President at Forward Advantage—to uncover what it really takes to pass the CPA exam, transition into leadership, and create a culture that drives success. We’ll dive into study strategies, the mindset shift from individual contributor to executive, and the hiring qualities that make teams thrive.We’ll also talk about the power of listening, learning, and setting clear standards—and Michelle shares practical advice for anyone looking to grow their career and make an impact.Whether you’re preparing for your CPA, aiming for leadership, or just want real-world insights on building strong teams, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step. Pull up a chair—this episode has started!

Step back into The Hiring Table Podcast with me, Lorenzo Ramirez! I sit down with the Jason Hannold, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club to explore how good work culture is important in a company, their newest hires and hiring needs coming up in the future, heart of their mission and the incredible impact they’re making in communities. We’ll talk about how donations fuel their programs, the real ways those contributions change lives, and the opportunities for anyone who wants to get involved.Whether you’re curious about giving back, looking to understand how nonprofits drive change, or simply want to hear inspiring stories of leadership and service, this conversation will open your eyes to the power of community support. Pull up a chair—this episode has started!

🌾 Stepping Into Agriculture with Ryan Jacobsen | CEO of Fresno County Farm BureauWelcome back to The Hiring Table, your weekly dose of hiring insights—airing every Friday at 12:00 PM PST.In this week’s special episode, we’re diving deep into the world that feeds the nation: Central Valley agriculture. We’re joined by Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, fourth-generation California farmer, Fresno State alum, and one of the most respected voices in Valley ag, water policy, and workforce development.Ryan shares his journey from growing up on a grape farm to becoming a leading advocate for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. We unpack everything from:🌱 Growing up in Valley agriculture🚜 Work ethic, farm family roots & raising the next generation A real-talk look at water, policy, SGMA & California’s broken system📉 Current economic pressures facing California farmers🌍 Why California ag matters to the nation and the world🤝 Collaboration, board leadership & advocacy across the state🧑‍🌾 Workforce challenges, hiring trends & the evolution of ag careers📱 The impact of technology, phones, and generational shifts in the workplace🏛️ Politics, infrastructure & shaping the future of agriculture🌾 Private equity in farming—what’s working and what’s not👨‍👧 Advice for young people entering ag, leadership mindset & community involvementRyan brings honesty, data, and decades of frontline experience—plus practical leadership wisdom employers, employees, and future ag professionals can all benefit from.This is a must-watch if you care about the Central Valley, agriculture, water, hiring, or the future of our food supply.🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.Follow us on all socials @TheHiringtable for more weekly insights!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLfwXRW45z5lTTwLxVwGLZwhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hiring-tablehttps://www.tiktok.com/@the_hiring_table?_t=ZP-90lqp8y43yg&_r=1+TikTok+-+Make+Your+Dayhttps://www.instagram.com/the_hiring_table/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584064199676

Welcome back to The Hiring Table Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with returning guest Adam Trujillo, a CPA with Big Four audit/tax experience and a career that spans berries, global fresh fruit, and multi‑entity operations across the Valley.Today, we’re breaking down Famous ERP—not as a system on a brochure, but as it’s actually used inside Central California agriculture. From grower accounting strengths to the real gaps in sales analytics and global traceability, Adam brings honest insight from companies right here in our backyard, including Sun Valley, The Fruitist, and Frutura.Whether you’re a CFO trying to modernize reporting, an operations leader managing warehouses and packhouses, or a grower accountant learning the ropes, this conversation gives you clear, practical perspectives on what Famous does well… and where teams still end up in Excel.Pull up a chair—you’re about to hear what it really takes to run, scale, analyze, and lead in today’s ag‑driven ERP world.

Welcome back to The Hiring Table Podcast!I’m Lorenzo Ramirez, and in this episode we sit down with Beta Alpha Psi leaders from Fresno State, Esteban López and Aaron Fernandez, for a powerful conversation about accounting careers, leadership, and what it really takes to stand out as a first‑generation professional.From navigating Beta Alpha Psi, preparing for Meet the Firms, and committing to the CPA journey, to mastering Excel, interviewing with confidence, and building meaningful professional relationships, this episode goes far beyond classroom theory. Esteban and Aaron share real stories rooted in family, grit, and community—along with practical advice every accounting student and early‑career professional needs to hear.Whether you’re a student exploring accounting, a new graduate preparing for interviews, or a leader looking to support the next generation of talent, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways that will help you grow both personally and professionally.Pull up a chair—you’re about to hear firsthand how preparation, integrity, and the right network can shape a career for a lifetime.

Welcome back to The Hiring Table Podcast! I’m Lorenzo Ramirez, and today we’re joined by Tom Spradling—a finance leader with over 25 years of experience as VP of Finance and CFO for small to mid-sized companies across the Central Valley. Tom’s career spans industries from third-party administration and fruit packaging to construction and IT services, and he’s now leading finance at Cotman Technology. In this conversation, Tom shares his incredible journey into accounting, the sacrifices he made during tough economic times, and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership and business.We dive into what it really takes to build strong teams and retain top talent, why culture matters more than profit, and practical strategies for cash management and treasury best practices. Tom also offers advice for new graduates entering the accounting world and explains why mentorship is critical for long-term success. Whether you’re a student, a finance professional, or a leader looking to strengthen your team, this episode is packed with insights on growth, resilience, and leadership. Pull up a chair—you’re about to discover what it truly takes to hire, grow, and lead in today’s competitive world.

Step back into The Hiring Table Podcast with me, Lorenzo Ramirez! I sit down with the Jason Hannold, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club to explore how good work culture is important in a company, their newest hires and hiring needs coming up in the future, heart of their mission and the incredible impact they’re making in communities. We’ll talk about how donations fuel their programs, the real ways those contributions change lives, and the opportunities for anyone who wants to get involved.Whether you’re curious about giving back, looking to understand how nonprofits drive change, or simply want to hear inspiring stories of leadership and service, this conversation will open your eyes to the power of community support. Pull up a chair—this episode has started!

Welcome back to The Hiring Table Podcast! I’m Lorenzo Ramirez, and in this episode we’re diving even deeper into what makes hiring more than just a process—it’s a strategy for building lasting success. From real-world career journeys to proven leadership tactics, I’ll share stories and insights that reveal how the right people can transform not only a business, but its culture.Whether you’re a founder navigating your first hires or a seasoned executive shaping global teams, this conversation will give you practical tools and fresh perspectives to elevate your approach. Pull up a chair—you’re about to discover what it truly takes to hire, grow, and lead in today’s competitive world.

Welcome to the Hiring Table Podcast! I'm Lorenzo Ramirez, and I started this show because hiring isn't just about filling seats-it's about building teams that drive growth and innovation! After years in the staffing industry, I've seen firsthand how the right people can transofrm a business. This is my way of sharing insights, career stories, and strategies that help leaders make smarter hiring decisions. Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a global team, you'll find practical advice and fresh perspectives right here. So grab a seat at the table-let's talk about what it takes to hire and lead in today's world.