In the coastal town of McKinleyville, California, Rose Notman embodies the spirit of Wild Planet Foods' mission to protect our oceans for future generations. As an Accounting Analyst who has been with the company for eight years, Rose's journey from art teacher to sustainability advocate showcases how personal passion can transform a career path and inspire positive change. Beyond her role in finance, she has become an instrumental force in fostering company culture and environmental education, proving that sometimes the most impactful contributions come from unexpected places.
In October 2016, I joined Wild Planet Foods in order fulfillment, and over the years, I've grown into my current role as Accounting Analyst. While processing expenses and managing inventory might seem far removed from my artistic roots, I've discovered ways to weave creativity and passion into everything I do here. What started as a practical career choice has blossomed into something much more meaningful – a chance to contribute to ocean conservation while building a supportive community.
One of my proudest achievements has been helping to establish what we fondly call the "Fun Committee." What began as simple dress-up days and shared lunches with my former office mate, Chelsea Roane, has evolved into a company-wide initiative to bring people together across departments and locations. Through these activities, we've created opportunities for connection that strengthen our team and make our workplace feel more like a family.
My role at Wild Planet has also allowed me to merge my love for education with our mission of sustainability. I regularly volunteer at local schools, teaching children about sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation. It's incredibly rewarding to see their eyes light up when they learn about the importance of protecting our oceans, especially when I discover that some of these coastal kids have never even seen the ocean or tried seafood before.
Being a mother of three daughters – ages 12, 10, and 4 – while maintaining a career could be overwhelming, but Wild Planet has supported me through every step of my journey. During the challenging days of COVID-19, when I was working from home with a newborn, the company's understanding and flexibility showed me what it truly means to be part of a caring organization. This support has enabled me to thrive both as a parent and as a professional, allowing me to continue pursuing my passion for environmental stewardship.
One of my favorite ways to combine family time with our company's mission is making sushi rolls with my daughters using Wild Planet salmon. They've grown up using chopsticks and experimenting with different flavors, creating their own special recipes. These moments in the kitchen aren't just about making dinner – they're opportunities to teach my children about sustainable food choices and ocean conservation, values that align perfectly with Wild Planet's mission.
Rose Notman
Accounting Analyst, Wild Planet Foods
As Rose reflects on her eight years with Wild Planet Foods, her responses reveal how deeply intertwined her personal values have become with the company's mission. Through her unique perspective, we gain insight into how individual passion can drive collective impact in ocean conservation and sustainability.
Q: What is your favorite Wild Planet product and why?
A: I have a special attachment to our Skipjack Dill Pickle tuna, which I actually helped inspire! I was begging and pleading for a tuna and pickle product, and when it finally became reality, it was such an exciting full-circle moment. These days, I find myself reaching for our Ready-to-Eat Wild Tuna & Quinoa Salad quite often – it's perfect for busy days at my desk. I definitely prefer skipjack over albacore for its distinct flavor profile.
Q: Do you have a favorite recipe using Wild Planet products?
A: My kids and I love making salmon sushi rolls using Wild Planet salmon products. We've got this fun gadget called a sushi bazooka that makes it easy for the whole family to participate. My oldest daughter even creates her own special sauces, like spicy chili oil and sriracha mayo. It's become our special treat and a way to make sustainable seafood exciting for the kids.
Q: Why do you enjoy working at Wild Planet?
A: Working at Wild Planet has been an incredibly eye-opening educational experience. Initially, I was skeptical that a canned seafood company could be exciting, but I was proven very wrong. What I value most is the sharing of knowledge and the opportunities to learn about ocean impacts and sustainability. Having access to scientific data and seeing how Wild Planet is ACTUALLY and ACTIONABLY making a difference has been inspiring. As a 90s kid who grew up cutting six-pack rings to save sea turtles, it feels amazing to be part of a company that's making real change. But beyond the mission, it's the people who make this place special. They've supported me through having a baby, working from home during COVID, and personal life changes. The care and understanding I've received here have made all the difference.
Q: Can you share any pivotal turning points in Wild Planet's history?
A: COVID-19 was definitely a significant turning point for us, both in terms of how we work together as a team and how we've grown our leadership. It pushed us to find new ways to stay connected and ultimately led to positive changes in our company culture. The evolution of our team-building initiatives and the way we've learned to collaborate across different locations has really transformed how we operate as a company.
Q: What excites you most about Wild Planet's future?
A: I'm thrilled about our new products, especially our Ready-to-Eat meals, because they're making quality, sustainable seafood more accessible to consumers. But beyond product innovation, I'm excited about our potential for growth and expansion – not just in terms of business, but in our ability to make a positive impact. We have this amazing opportunity to demonstrate how a company can successfully balance environmental responsibility with business success, showing both consumers and competitors what's possible when you truly commit to sustainability.
Q: What does sustainability mean to you and why is it important?
A: Sustainability means making informed choices now so that my children will be able to enjoy the benefits of our beautiful natural world in the future. I take a holistic approach, understanding that our consumer choices are interconnected with environmental, social, and economic impacts. I'm always trying to educate myself and avoid falling for greenwashing, looking instead for companies making authentic efforts toward sustainability. Working at Wild Planet has deepened my commitment to evaluating purchases based on their environmental impact. I put these values into action by volunteering at local schools to share the message of sustainable fishing practices and participating in beach cleanups with organizations like Friends of the Dunes. It's about connecting our local actions to global impacts.
Q: What do you wish consumers knew about fishing, ocean health or environmental sustainability?
A: I wish consumers understood that fishing doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach. We don't have to give up eating fish to protect fisheries – they can be sustainable when well-managed and regulated. Fishing is a time-honored tradition and way of life that benefits both the fishermen making a living and humans seeking healthy protein sources. A healthy fishery means a healthy ocean, and the more diverse our oceans and our choices of fish to eat, the better off our oceans will be. I also wish more people knew that there are companies like Wild Planet working closely with organizations like Monterey Bay Aquarium, using science-based data to ensure our fishing practices protect ocean ecosystems.
Q: Any special Wild Planet memories you'd like to share?
A: After eight years here, I have countless precious memories, but what stands out most is how this company has been there for me through life's various moments – celebrating milestones and birthdays, supporting each other through challenging times, and creating meaningful connections. The COVID year, while challenging, showed me the true character of our team as everyone worked together to help me succeed as both a parent and professional. Most recently, helping plan our 20th anniversary celebration was incredibly special. Finally bringing together colleagues who had worked together for years but never met in person, spending time by the ocean, and organizing a beach cleanup – it perfectly embodied everything Wild Planet stands for: community, sustainability, and making a positive impact.
Rose Notman's journey at Wild Planet Foods exemplifies how personal passion can transform into meaningful action for ocean conservation. Through her unique blend of creativity, dedication to sustainability, and commitment to building community, she has helped shape the company's culture while advancing its mission. Whether she's teaching children about sustainable fishing, organizing team activities, or making sushi with her daughters, Rose demonstrates that every individual has the power to create positive change – both within their organization and for the planet. Her story reminds us that when we align our personal values with our professional lives, we can contribute to a more sustainable future in ways we never imagined.
