Tim’s story unfolds with his entry into the rice industry back in 1996, when he assumed the role of Marketing Projects Coordinator for the California Rice Promotion Board. Tasked with promoting rice both domestically and internationally, Tim quickly found himself immersed in the intricacies of the industry. Little did he know that this role would mark the beginning of a lifetime career in California rice production and agriculture. A pivotal moment in Tim’s career came with the formation of the California Rice Commission a few years later, where he was appointed as its first executive. This transition, as Tim fondly recalls, marked a significant milestone in his professional trajectory—a journey that began with humble beginnings, including his days working on a Frito-Lay truck right out of college.