About Us | Our Team

We Grow Our Team Organically

The Mission of Organic Products Trading Company is to increase coffee quality for our customers and improve the quality of life for our farmers, their families, communities and the environment that surrounds them. We believe the heart of our mission and our organization are the talents, experiences, and values of our team. The organizational roles and responsibilities statement provides information on the team that makes this mission possible. We invite you to Meet Our Team.

	• Garth Smith		• Gay Smith
	• Brian Nicholas		• Dawnell Linstead
	• Misty Myers		• Connie Kolosvary
	• Dustin Johnson

 

Photo taken in De Angel Albino Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico.

Garth Smith: President/Owner

Garth's passion for coffee began in 1985, while working for Coffee Bean International as Manager of Café Tierra Organic Coffee Division.  Garth is co-founder, along with his wife, Gay, and is president of Organic Products Trading Company (OPTCO).  For the past 15 years, he has used his degree in forestry and agriculture to work directly with coffee producers, training them to help improve the quality of their coffee.  He is responsible for all coffee purchases and the development of all of OPTCO's coffee projects.  As lead cupper, Garth is also in charge of the training for all of OPTCO's coffee roasting and cupping. Additionally, he is involved in the daily oversight of all of the company's operations.  Garth travels to countries of origin, working directly with OPTCO's coffee producers and providing assistance in quality controls.  He is directly involved in developing markets for the coffees that the producers grow.

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Gay Smith: Co-Owner

Gay Smith's passion for, and work in, the coffee industry began in 1987, when her background in finance, sales, and marketing led to a sales management position at Coffee Bean International.  In 1990, she left the corporate world to start a venture with her husband, Garth. Together, they founded Organic Products Trading Co. to develop and import high-quality certified organic and fair trade coffee. Since the inception of OPTCO, Gay and Garth have traveled to coffee-growing communities all over the world to work with growers who are committed to organic and organic fair trade coffee production.  Over the years, the knowledge and insight gained through working side-by-side with coffee producers have enabled Gay to become a well-regarded authority figure on issues related to the fair trade coffee market. Gay's responsibilities in Organic Products Trading Co. include the roll of comptroller, marketing and P.R.  She is the Secretary-Treasurer and co-owner of the corporation.  She is responsible for the development of the Café Femenino concept and vision, and its development in each country of origin. She is also directly involved in the day-to-day oversight of the company.

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Brian Nicholas: Account Manager

Brian is responsible for aspects of sales, account management, customer service and marketing of green coffee, in coordination with Garth Smith.  Additional responsibilities include roasting, cupping and managing of incoming green coffee samples.  Brian joined OPTCO in June 2005.   He brings over 17 years of coffee-industry experience to OPTCO, ranging from wholesale, retail, purchasing, warehouse, production and management.  Though Brian admits to straightening out coffee packaging in retail stores, still his true passion is his family.  He has been with his wife for 18 years, has 3 daughters and 2 Llasa Apsos' (technically, they're dogs).  Hobbies and pastimes include lake fishing, photography, and community service work.         

Photo taken in De Angel Albino Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico.

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Dawnell Linstead: Inventory Manager

Dawnell is responsible for all aspects of inventory management, as well as for building strong relationships with all organizations and individuals directly and indirectly related to inventory shipping, warehousing, transportation, and storage of inventory. Dawnell joined the team in February 2000 and brings 7 years of experience in the coffee industry to OPTCO, plus 20 years of experience in all other aspects of office work. In her spare time, Dawnell is an avid bookworm, loves to shoot pool, and likes to quilt.

 

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Misty Myers: Accounting Manager

Misty brings 14 years of experience in the field of retail management to our company.  Her depth of experience includes managing a crew of over 40, as well as knowledge of profit and loss, balance sheets, cash flow, and "just making the customer happy".  Misty is responsible for all accounting practices and financial protocols for OPTCO.  She works closely with Gay & Garth Smith to ensure the financial health of the company and profitability expectations are met (accounts receivable, accounts payable and reporting). Additionally, she is responsible for building strong relationships with individuals who conduct business with OPTCO. She has been an integral part of the team since January 2004.  In her free time, Misty enjoys camping, boating, and visiting Las Vegas with her husband and two children.  She also loves to read, has an affection for cats, and romantic nights at home.

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Connie Kolosvary: Grant Developer and Project Lead

Connie is responsible for the development of the key projects central to the success of the Café Femenino Program. She joined the team in February 2007 and brings years experience as a business owner and program developer. She speaks Spanish and holds a B.A. from the University of Washington in Psychology and Business. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and traveling, especially to Spain. When she is not traveling, the majority of her time is spent advocating for children locally as well as internationally.

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Dustin Johnson : Producer Relations Manager

Dustin brings his international experience and bilingual abilities to the OPTCO team in order to fulfill his primary duties of communications with farmers, co-operatives, and NGO's around the globe. After working as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the rural regions of Nicaragua, Dustin worked as a coordinator for a social research organization with Latino immigrant families. He holds a B.A. in International Studies with a Latin American Specialization. In his free time Dustin enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with his family.

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