MEET THE TEAM: LEAH BERAN – DELIVERING THE GOODS FOR PEET’S AND YOU
Running low on Peet’s beans? Our distribution team manager Leah Beran has you covered. This foodie from Chicago helps make sure your favorite roast is on the grocery store shelf whenever you need it.
HOW DID YOU END UP AT PEET’S?
I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and got my degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign—I-L-L! After graduation, I moved out to California to kick off my career here at Peet’s.
Peet’s has immersed me in the craft and artistry that goes into growing, roasting, and supplying coffee. The dedication to quality and tradition is apparent in every corner of the company. I’m a huge foodie, so working in the food and beverage industry has been really fulfilling. Getting to work for a brand I’m proud to share with friends, family, and strangers alike is the absolute coolest.
CAN YOU GIVE US A PEEK BEHIND THE DISTRIBUTION CURTAIN?
Well, have you ever wondered how our coffee gets on the grocery store shelves? Our incredible warehouse team does just that.
I started as a process engineer for our distribution operations. That role gave me exposure to all facets of the supply chain and helped me develop a strong foundation in continuous improvement. I’ve carried this problem-solving mindset into my current role. As distribution team manager, I oversee end-to-end operations of our central distribution center in Tracy, California, from receiving goods from roasters and suppliers to fulfilling and shipping out customer orders. I get to work with planning, transportation, production, and many more departments within the supply chain to ensure our operation is set up for success.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
My biggest motivator is the team I get to work with every day. In operations, there are plenty of moments when things don’t go according to plan, but no matter how big the challenge is, my team always finds a way to come together, solve problems, and keep moving forward. On even the most stressful days, they never fail to put a smile on my face, share a laugh, and remind me why I love coming to work each day.
WHAT’S AT THE TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST?
My focus is on developing teams and driving operational performance, while continuing to grow as a leader. I want to create an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and supported through all the ups and downs. We’ve gone through a lot of changes in the three years that I’ve been here, and I am beyond grateful to look back at all we’ve accomplished. Nothing fulfills me more than watching this team succeed and grow together.
HOW ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL GOALS?
Some bucket list items for me are hiking all 63 national parks and going to culinary school one day!
FIND YOUR PASSION WITH PEET'S
Peetniks are passionate and authentic learners and doers, committed to the pursuit of better. Check out our open opportunities and apply today.