Ballots are open to all active co-op members.
Jacob Turtletaub
Baker
Biography
My name is Jacob, I moved here to Bozeman in 2019 and have exclusively been a Co-op shopper since. I’ve worked as a line cook in locally owned restaurants here in Bozeman and have spent a full season farming, working markets, and delivering produce around the town. I am a regular at all farmers market and am friends with vendors, chefs, and farmers, as food quality is what I value most in my life. I hope you’ll allow me to bring my knowledge and passion to the Co-op Board of Directors.
Relevant skills and experience
I’ve been a pretty much 100% exclusive co-op shopper for the last 5 years. I spent 4 years as a line cook in Bozeman and 1 season at Chance Farm where I maintain a great relationship with owner Josh Chance. I was raised by a single mother who enveloped me in the natural foods world, working for UNFI for 20+ years before leaving due to there recent merge, now carrying conventional products. I have a vast understanding of food, cooking, sanitation practices, and healthy eating.
Issues of particular interest
I see no real issue as a customer, although I have heard lots of bad talk about the co-op being called “corporate” with negative connotation. I don’t know much about the root of this complaint however it is concerning hearing that many people in Bozeman don’t feel that the co-op has their best interest in mind.
Important issues facing the Co-op
Once again, I’m unsure about specific issues facing the co-op. I think that more and more people are shopping local every year and I just think it is important for the co-op to stay true to that value, which I think you are doing (at least from my perspective as a customer). More local grocers are seemingly opening up, so I think that it’s important for the co-op to show the people that you have there backs and you are there to support them.
Strengths brought to the board
I’m coming from a youthful, working class background in the food industry. I believe that I will bring an unbiased point of view, as truly all I care about are workers rights, farming practices, as well as food quality. Those are the most important topics in the front of my brain on the daily. I am working on opening a bakery/sandwich here in Bozeman and those ethics will be overly present when we open someday.
Interest in serving on the Board
I am interested in being more involved in the community here in Bozeman, and it would be an honor to join the Co-op Board of Directors. I plan on being in Bozeman for the rest of my life, as I am building roots here. I love the co-op and would like to be a part of the mission on this level.
