Connect with Derrick Coleman on LinkedIn.
We believe it’s important to know who you’re working with.
We’re continuing on with our Getting to Know CIFT blog series with our Project Manager — Food Production, Derrick Coleman. Derrick has been with CIFT for a little over one year and he is an expert in all things product development and technical consultation with deep experience. We asked Derrick some questions to get a glimpse into his role and what makes him excited to go to work every day.
What do you do at CIFT?
The primary objective of my position is to serve as a representative of CIFT for the development and building of clients and revenue with food production industry manufacturers, vendors, and service providers by developing working relationships and projects that fulfill CIFT’s mission. Most of the projects that I’m working on involve some form of product development and/or technical consultation. Being able to “multitask” is a strong asset and characteristic of being a part of the CIFT team. No two days are the same.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
There are three things that motivate me to wake up and go to work. First, and foremost, is my family. They are my everything. Secondly, the opportunity to work with such a broad variety of clients from startups to seasoned companies with strong historic roots. Last, but not least, the work at CIFT is ever changing and is not lineal which compliments my work style of preference.
What has been your favorite project so far?
There are quite a few to choose from. However, I will have to say that developing a protein bar for a client was one of the most technically challenging, yet rewarding projects that I have ever worked on. My involvement extended beyond bench top formulating to working with both domestic and international ingredient suppliers to several different co-manufacturers.
What’s one thing you want people to know about your role, service or CIFT?
I have over 20 years experience in the food industry with strong experience in both product development and technical sales. No project is too big or too small. CIFT has an excellent team of dedicated Project Managers that can work with food industry clients in need of Product Development, Quality Assurance, Engineering and/or Operations support.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
My wife and I separately have either been in a movie or tv show. Secondly, I love to travel, specifically to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Read Derrick’s product development blog, “Staying Competitive Through Product Development.”
