Welcome as we continue our series of in-depth interviews with our incredible employee-owners! Come along as we take you inside Bob's Red Mill and showcase the incredible people who help bring you whole grains for every meal of the day. We're happy to introduce you to Kelli Hemenway, the new General Manager of Retail Operations for our Whole Grain Store here in Milwaukie, Oregon. We opened the Bob's Red MillWhole Grain Store & Visitors Center in 2003 with great pride: not only does this picturesque destination, with its traditional red mill stylings and water wheel, embody the culmination of founder Bob Moore's dream, but it serves delicious breakfasts and lunches and carries our entire product line for purchase! It's the official site for events like Bob's annual birthday celebration, and you'll also find kitchen essentials, cookbooks, a bulk section with more than 500 items, and Bob's Red Mill merchandise for sale. Sounds like a lot to manage, doesn't it? But Kelli is more than ready for the task and has some big plans (Sunday brunch!), as she tells us in her own words below. Bob's Red Mill: Whats your background? Kelli Hemenway: I have been in the hospitality field for over 25 years. I have managed and owned my own restaurants, and taught others how to succeed in this field at The International Air & Hospitality Academy. I took a few years out of management to be a flight attendant for Horizon Air after I sold my restaurants. BRM: Where did you work before Bobs Red Mill? KH:I was at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, WA. BRM: What interested you about working at the Whole Grain Store? KH:I have always been a big fan of the BRM products and Bobs philosophy of People Before Profit. I also love this store and the history of the company. Even as I was being interviewed by Matt [Cox] and Robert [Agnew], I felt like I was joining a family. BRM: What are your initial goals for the store and restaurant? KH:I have been focusing on the little things that are noticeable when you walk in the door. A pop of color to draw your attention, the sample table with Bobs products for tasting, and merchandise readily accessible. Weve made the Long-Term Storage a little cyber caf and are working on getting the coffee cart inside. We also have the free Wi-Fi now, which has made many of our guests very happy. BRM: What do you see as the ultimate evolution of the WGS? KH:My plan is to help create a new menu, combining the favorites with new, creative, super-flavorful dishes, showcasing BRM items and farm-to-table ingredients. Were going to be open on Sunday with an amazing brunch menu. Were going to make the WGS more of an extension of the Mill Tour, with a walking tour and history of the mill here as well. Im also working with IT to get a much larger, more accessible online presence with a new point of sale system that will streamline the ordering process. I hope to help make the WGS a destination point where lines are out the door every day. BRM: What skills have you needed the most thus far in your role? KH:My experience opening my own restaurants has been so beneficial in making changes here. I know what works and what doesnt. It has also taught me that I dont have all the answers, so its important to listen to our guests and staff and use that knowledge to create a memorable experience at the store and restaurant. BRM: What are your favorite BRM products? KH:I love the oatmeal! Ive had it for breakfast almost every day for about 10 years. Okay, sometimes for dinner too. The cornbread mix is the best Ive ever tasted! And I crave the Peanut Butter Coconut & Oats Bob's Better Bars. BRM: What do you do when you arent working? KH:Im all about my family. I have three perfect children and four of the most amazing grandchildren ever! So my off time is spent chasing little ones and cooking. I also enjoy just about anything outdoors; hiking, boating, water skiing, kayaking. To relax I read historical novels and crochet. Im also a foodie so I visit new restaurants as much as I can. Our thanks to Kelli for a fantastic interview! Make sure to stop by the Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Store to say hi, check out the new free Wi-Fi, and of course have a delicious meal.