Henderson talks about why he stuck with Schwan’s for 14 years
"Schwan's People You Need to Know" is an ongoing series of stories that share some of our employees' experiences as we celebrate our 65th anniversary and participate as a founding partner of the Minnesota Super Bowl 52 Host Committee.
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“I joined Schwan’s right out of grad school. I was a little hesitant to move from Atlanta, Georgia, to Salina, Kansas, so I decided that I would work there for two years, get experience and then move on,” Jared said. “The problem with my plan was that I never thought I would love the job and the people I worked with so much.”
Because he enjoyed his job, Jared’s two-year plan didn’t work out, and he spent 12 years at Schwan’s pizza facility in Kansas. He then accepted a role as K-12 product development manager for the company’s product innovation and development team and transferred to the corporate office in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Recently, Jared took some time to tell us about the importance of his job, his team and the talents of his youth.
Q: What are you passionate about in your job?
A: I enjoy helping to ensure that people have the tools and information they need to do their best work.
Q: Tell us why you think your job with Product Innovation & Development is one of the most interesting jobs in the company.
A: I have a pulse on all the products the company works on to ensure our legacy. The team I work on ensures that as a company we are working on the right innovation projects to deliver our company’s goals.
Q: We talk a lot about building a strong culture at Schwan’s. What do our company’s vision and values mean to you?
A: That what we do is not just about the service we provide, but rather how we execute on our promises and how we can impact the lives of people around us (both inside and outside the company).
Q: What’s your favorite memory in all the years you’ve worked here?
A: In 2015, I had the honor of meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. I never knew my love of food would enable me to help change legislation.
Q: What are you most proud of throughout your career at Schwan’s?
A: All the relationships I have built.
Q: As a part of our culture, we often talk about working as “one Schwan’s team.” What does that mean to you?
A: That we are all on the same journey. That we appreciate and respect each other’s differences and use each other’s strengths to ensure our success.
Q: What do you like about our work culture?
A: That we are reminded to reflect on how we show up to work and the impact that we make. That we have an environment where people can be themselves without having to conform to one vision of what “success” looks like.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know about you.
A: As a kid, I was a roller-skating prodigy. At two, I was given my first pair of roller skates. My family jokes that I could skate better than I could walk.
Q: Schwan’s is a founding partner of the Minnesota Super Bowl 52 Host Committee this year, which team are you hoping to see in the Big Game?
A: Atlanta Falcons.
Q: What is your favorite Schwan’s® food to serve at your Big Game viewing party?
A: Schwan’s® Jumbo Cooked Tail-on Shrimp.
Q: What’s your favorite Schwan’s product?
A: Schwan’s Ancient Grain Encrusted Cod.
