14. Richard Plato, Director of Human Resources of Christopher Ranch , Garlic Capital of the World, Gilroy Garlic Festival, your healthplan your community, power of human connectedness, the "human' in human resources, and much more.

My guest Richard Plato is the Director of Human Resources at Christopher Ranch.  

In this episode Richard talks about the impact of a mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in July 2019 and how the company, Christopher Ranch and UnitedAg were both proactive in providing mental health support for the employees. He also shares his views on the importance of human connection in the workplace and the role of Human Resources. He recounts a recent situation where an employee was struggling and instead of just disciplining her, he took the time to understand her circumstances and help her resolve her issues. He emphasizes the importance of seeing employees as more than just numbers, but as people with stories and experiences. 

Richard Plato's Bio - Born and raised in Gilroy, CA. The “Garlic Capital of the World”, Richard is proud and humbled to serve the agriculture community in which he grew up in. He joined the Christopher Ranch family in 2007 and now has over 24 years of HR experience. Richard is responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function and establishing a vision of inclusion and diversity. He holds a MS in Psychology from SJSU and a BS in Theology and BA in Philosophy from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI.

Christopher Ranch  - Founded in 1956 by company patriarch, Don Christopher, Christopher Ranch has been the nation’s leading garlic producer for generations. With nearly 6,000 acres of California heirloom garlic, grown statewide, you can be sure to find our products in all 50 states. Located in the garlic capital of the world- Gilroy, CA.

https://christopherranch.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

The episode is also sponsored by 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/