THAO VOBA (SHE/HER)
PRODUCE CLERK | REDMOND PCC
Thao started at PCC in 2014 as Deli Helper Clerk. After several years in the deli, she now works as a produce clerk at Redmond PCC. She loves working in produce saying, “You get more face-to-face time with the customers when you work it out on the floor. That’s what I love most about the job.” She also enjoys that her current role is always changing and allows her to keep learning.
Thao has been with PCC for over nine years and loves working here. She said one thing that she loves about the co-op is the diversity she sees in the people working.
Recruiting, hiring and paving a clear path for staff members are important to PCC. With our efforts to increase diverse representation at every level, we’re doing what we can to create an environment where people feel like they belong. “It’s inclusive for people of all ages, identities, nationalities and skill levels,” says Thao. “Everyone is so supportive of one another.”
5:30 a.m.
Thao starts work early, often jogging from her car that she parks at the far end of the lot to get her blood pumping, because she knows there’s a lot to do.
6:00 a.m.
When she first arrives, she checks the produce already on the wet rack to make sure it’s clean, ripe and presentable, and takes note of which items need to be restocked. She rotates and tidies up each section as she adds fresh products. Thao makes sure to do things properly, knowing that a fresh display makes all the difference.
7:00 a.m.
Once it’s all sorted, Thao goes to the back, grabs a bucket and starts prepping fresh produce to go onto the wet rack — sorting and cleaning all those fresh fruits and veggies and composting old or damaged produce.
10:30 a.m.
Once the new produce shipment arrives (usually by midmorning), Thao and her coworkers will get to work stocking the wet rack and will keep it filled throughout the day.
11:30 a.m.
With the wet rack set, Thao helps out in other areas of the produce department as needed. She often lends a hand in the Chop Shop, cutting and packaging fruits and vegetables. Thao loves being on the floor as often as possible because she truly enjoys being around customers. “I love to chit-chat with customers and give them recommendations based on what they love.”
At PCC, we know our staff members are what make our stores special. Our staff are experts in what they do, and we’re so grateful for people like Thao, who go above and beyond to share that knowledge.
1:45 p.m.
Before clocking out, Thao spends time in the back prepping romaine, green and red leaf lettuces, chards and kale. Finally, she makes sure the back room is ready for the next shift — she wants to make sure she sets up the next team for success.
When she’s not working, Thao loves tending to her church’s garden (something she’s been doing for the past 11 years) and spending time with her family.
