Local Case Study: Spice Hunter

P.O. Box 8110
184 Suburban Rd
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8110
Phone: (800) 444-3061 (805) 544-4466

SLO Facility:

VP Finance & Operations: John Doyle
VP Sales & Marketing: Joe Leonard

  Company Description 

Spice Hunter started in 1980 as a home-based business, supplying products to small specialty stores. Spice Hunter has steadily grown in the niche market of exotic spices, spice blends and all-natural foods, with products like seasoning packets and mixes, and specialty soups in a cup. In 1999, Spice Hunter was bought by national food service manufacturer C.F. Sauer Corporation. The Spice Hunter product line now includes over 300 high quality herbs and seasonings. Spice Hunter has a 20 year track record of growth and innovation and they currently employ 80 people in their San Luis Obispo location.

Philosophy on Diversity

Spice Hunter believes that, as an employer, they must be cognizant of their employees' well being. They recognize the fact that satisfying their employees' needs will help them satisfy their customers' needs, since it is the employees who ensure customer satisfaction through high quality products and service. Spice Hunter's management believes that in order for a company to succeed, employees must be proud to work there. Part of this is accomplished by appealing to and recognizing people of diverse backgrounds.

Diversity Implementation

Spice Hunter has brought diversity into their organization through the hiring of minority workers. Currently 20% - 25% of their workforce is Hispanic, as compared to 17% of SLO County (according to the 2000 Census).

Spice Hunter is dedicated to serving the needs of its employees. Through government grants they are able to offer Vocational English classes onsite for their limited English-speaking employees. The employees are excited about the classes and gain confidence by learning English. Spice Hunter views this as a win-win situation - work production is improved while the education of its employees is enhanced.

To ensure an organization where each member is involved and there is a fluid flow of information, Spice Hunter has training sessions once a year to incorporate its business strategies and goals into the company's workforce. The employees are updated on the business, what the company has done and where it is headed. Interaction is an important aspect of the meeting; the training develops and facilitates skills in a fun environment. An interpreter is present for those not yet proficient in English.

Results

Claudia Martinon is an example of how Spice Hunter employees have been affected by the active participation of their employees into a diverse work environment. She is the first Hispanic female machine operator in the company's history. Through the integration of the Vocational English classes and her continued experience with the language, Claudia has broken down a personal and professional barrier. She is able to read and speak English almost fluently and prosper with a company that believes in her. She feels comfortable doing her job, is able to read signs and instructions at the job site and is able to communicate to all employees.

Spice Hunter is a company that cares about its employees and strives to help further their education and assimilation into the American workforce. They encourage employees to pursue their educational endeavors and enhance their language skills. In helping its employees succeed through personal and professional development, Spice Hunter gains valuable employees and efficiency in the workplace.

Spice Hunter feels that it is riding the wave of the future by helping its employees overcome obstacles and reach their goals. They believe a smart company is on the forefront of embracing diversity as the ethnic makeup of California continues to evolve.