Competing in the Marketing Plan Career Development Event as a Nelson County FFA member sparked Cory Reinle’s (second from left) interest in the paths agriculture products can take from the farm to market.
A Kentucky FFA Alumnus from Nelson County, Cory Reinle currently works as a senior manager in procurement for Nestlé USA, the world’s largest food and beverage company and a National FFA corporate partner. He attributes his interest in agriculture and his foundation for career success to his FFA involvement.
Q: What was your FFA experience like?
A: Taking a freshman agriscience class in 2002 was my introduction to FFA. I didn’t even mean to sign up for that class – it was a mistake. During the first day, the teacher ran in and started telling us about agriculture. More than 20 years later, I still remember his passion for agricultural education.
I had worked on my grandparents’ farm growing up, but I never took agriculture seriously. That class opened up the idea of agribusiness being a career option for me, and the experiences and training I gained through FFA competitions and speaking engagements helped build the foundation for my career.
Q: What path did you take after high school?
A: When I graduated in 2006, I knew I wanted to be on the business side of agriculture. I studied agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, then went to the University of Florida and got a master’s degree in agribusiness.
In Florida, I was introduced to the fresh produce industry with citrus and vegetables and my career took root. I worked as a produce buyer for a grocery store, and later worked on the supply side of fresh produce. For the next 10 years, I did supply chain management for two fresh produce companies, where I bought and coordinated with farms to sell vegetables to big grocery stores.
One of Reinle’s favorite things about FFA is the bonds he formed with fellow members. He applies this people-focused mentality in his current role by coaching his colleagues and helping them find success. Photo courtesy of Cory Reinle.
Q: What do you like about your current job at Nestlé USA?
A: I love getting to coach people, develop my teams and see their success. I love working at the largest food and beverage manufacturer in the world, while still being connected to the farm and knowing where our food comes from.
Q: What advice would you give to current FFA members?
A: Continue your education. Keep developing and trying new things. Don’t be afraid to move and take chances, and don’t keep knowledge to yourself. There’s an opportunity to engage with the public who want to learn more, and it’s up to us to take our stories to them.
