Bacon Banter

At Clemens Food Group, leadership starts with a fundamental: Curiosity. The kind of interest that asks questions, seeks new challenges, and wants to understand how the whole business fits together. That spirit is at the heart of our Leadership Development Program (LDP), a multi-year, rotational experience designed to grow future leaders from the inside out.

Over the course of the 12-month program, participants step into several roles across different areas of the company — from operations and supply chain to engineering and customer solutions. Each rotation offers a new perspective, a new team, and a new opportunity to learn how Clemens works together to feed families and support communities.
What makes the LDP special isn’t just the variety of experiences — it’s the mentorship, the culture, and the values that guide every step. Participants are surrounded by leaders who invest in their growth, helping them develop not only their skills, but their sense of purpose and leadership grounded in our company values.
And the best part? You’ll hear it straight from the people who’ve lived it. In the Q&A that follows, recent LDP participants share their stories about what they learned, what surprised them, and how the program has helped shape their careers.
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Q. What drew you to apply for the Clemens Leadership Development Program, and how did your expectations compare to reality?

Jackson Heon, Operations - Production trainee, 2026.
“I was drawn to the Clemens Leadership Development Program because of its clear emphasis on values-driven leadership and hands-on experience across various departments. I appreciated that the program wasn’t just about upward mobility, but about becoming a well-rounded leader grounded in ‘The Clemens Way.’ I expected to be challenged, but the level of support and mentorship I received exceeded my expectations. The reality of the program was more hands on and impactful than I had anticipated and I really felt as if my skills and career were being developed.”

Grace Frey, Operations - Production trainee, 2026. 
“(The program) offered the chance to explore different areas of the business, strengthen my leadership skills, and learn how to guide teams right out of college. The program has far exceeded my expectations, challenging me daily while helping me grow not only as a leader, but also as a person. Operations is hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.”

Q. Which rotations did you complete, and which was the most challenging or rewarding? Did any rotation surprise you or change how you viewed the business?

Eva Wozniak, Supply Chain trainee, 2026.
“I have completed 3 rotations so far: S&OP, CES, and Scheduling. Scheduling has been the most challenging. I worked with the fresh scheduler, whose desk is extremely dynamic. When I started, the area was facing several challenges. While they were difficult, it provided an incredible opportunity to learn how to adapt, problem solve and manage through uncertainty. It gave me an understanding of how critical scheduling is for the company’s overall success.”
  
Jackson Heon, Operations - Production trainee, 2026.
“I have been focused on the Operations rotation. With that being said, every day I have worked with Quality, FSQA, Purchasing and Supply Chain to ensure operations can run as efficiently as possible. Operations has been a challenging but rewarding rotation. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, required quick problem-solving, and tested my ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for frontline roles and how vital they are to the success of the business. That rotation changed how I viewed the company: not just as a corporate structure, but as a collection of people working toward shared goals.”

Grace Frey, Operations - Production trainee, 2026. 
“So far, most of my experience has been on the cut floor, as rotations are more limited in operations. I currently serve as the supervisor in training for the loin line, which has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s a fast-paced environment that requires constant problem-solving and teamwork, but it’s been amazing to collaborate with our teams and other supervisors while learning how everything connects in real time.”

Q. How did your leadership style evolve during the program?

Jackson Heon, Operations - Production trainee, 2026.
“Before the program, my leadership style was more task oriented. After working with people every day in a leadership role, I learned the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and active listening. Leading diverse teams through different challenges helped me develop a more inclusive, servant-leader approach.”

Evan O’Brien, Food Safety trainee, 2026.
“Being able to work cross functionally is vital to achieving goals in the company so I needed to change how I lead others. I switched to a more transformational leadership style, where I lead with the intention of explaining why we do things and the importance of it. This helped not only me, but the team. It is very easy to give a task without reasoning, so if the importance of the task is explained, then people are more motivated to achieve this goal. This has served me well as I have created stronger relationships and achieved my goals quicker than in the past.”


Q.    What was the biggest “stretch assignment” you faced, and what did you learn from it?

Addison Woelkers, Operations – Production trainee, 2026.
“One month into the Program, I was pulled from my current area in North to help at the Main plant on a project. I was just getting comfortable and ‘in the groove’ where I was so to change everything was a challenge in and of itself. The project required me to look for throughput opportunities and line efficiency advancements in an area I knew nothing about and with team members that I had no relationship with. What was the most stretching was having to build relationships quickly in order to earn trust with the TMs in order for them to listen to the ideas I had about throughput opportunities. This project helped me grow my knowledge on different Operating Principles like Lean and 5Whys as well as building trust and relationships in a fast and genuine way.”

Sofia Nicastro, Process Engineering trainee, 2026.
“My biggest ‘stretch assignment’ that I have faced has been managing a large portion of the revamping of our company lubrication program. I have been working with external companies to have them perform audits, received approval for a capital expenditure project that I am now serving as project manager for, and worked with cross functional teams within Clemens to establish new standards. From this, I have learned the importance of communication, whether it be in person, on the phone, or email. Communication is vital to the completion of any project, and it has been especially vital to this one as I am working with so many people from so many different companies and backgrounds.”

Grace Frey, Operations - Production trainee, 2026. 
“My biggest stretch assignment has definitely been taking on more of a supervisor role for the loin line on the cut floor. As I’ve gained more responsibility, I’ve learned to make decisions independently and handle daily challenges—from scheduling to personnel issues—with growing confidence. At first, I was intimidated, but with the support of my champions and team, I’ve developed stronger decision-making skills and a leadership style rooted in confidence, collaboration, and consistency.”

Jackson Heon, Operations - Production trainee, 2026.
“One of my biggest stretch assignments was a cost-saving initiative in my Dry Goods Project. It required problem solving where solutions seemed unlikely, coordinating with multiple departments, and presenting to senior leadership. I learned how to communicate value, manage resistance, and keep teams aligned—skills that have been critical since.”

Q. How did mentorship, feedback, or support from peers shape your journey? 

Sofia Nicastro, Process Engineering trainee, 2026.
“Mentorship from my team has shaped my journey because I have been able to learn from others with years of experience in the meat industry. My peers in the program have been a great support system, and I have enjoyed being able to spend time with them and get to know them and the area of the business that they work in. The Clemens Way Fundamentals are visible to me every morning as I enter my office (a new mural with all the fundamentals was put up next to my office a few weeks ago). This mural reminds me to conduct my work with ethics, integrity, and stewardship. Outside of physically seeing the fundamentals outside my office, I see the fundamentals come up in work in my weekly team meetings, where we discuss that week’s fundamental, how we have applied it recently, and ways we can apply it moving forward.”

Evan O’Brien, Food Safety trainee, 2026.
“I have never felt like I am alone working on a project as I have a great support system to help me accomplish my goals. I believe a big part of this is because of the Clemens Way and the fundamentals that goes along with it. I am constantly greeted by team members who I have never met before, and everyone comes to work each day with a positive attitude. This is seen in my day-to-day work, which is a big part of why I enjoy working at Clemens Food Group.”

Grace Frey, Operations - Production trainee, 2026. 
“My mentors have been instrumental in my growth here at Clemens. Their guidance and feedback have helped me navigate challenges and develop as a leader. I try to live out our company’s value of mutual respect daily—whether it’s communicating with my team, providing support to get tasks done efficiently, or listening to their feedback. Building trust and showing respect in every interaction helps create a positive and productive environment.

Addison Woelkers, Operations – Production trainee, 2026.
“The Clemens Way has shown, even in my short time here so far, to be effective time and time again. Some of the fundamentals like “Align on Expectations,” “Assume Positive Intent,” “Invest in Relationships,” and “Keep Things Fun” have rang true for me. Clemens has many different areas all trying to support Operations so aligning on expectations is a crucial part in working together as “one body”; if trades, FSQA, and operations cannot align on an issue, productivity will be non-existent.”

Eva Wozniak, Supply Chain trainee, 2026.
“We have weekly meetings with our mentors, which are a great opportunity to discuss challenges, ideas, and career goals. Each meeting begins with a discussion of one of the Clemens Way fundamentals. It is a great way to reflect, connect on a personal level, and learn from each other’s experiences. These conversations have helped me to grow both professionally and personally. 
“What makes Clemens special is the company culture. It genuinely feels like a family. Everyone wants you to succeed and supports you in reaching your goals.” 

Q. What opportunities has this program opened for you?

Grace Frey, Operations - Production trainee, 2026. 
“After graduation, I explored several opportunities, but none offered the same level of growth and hands-on experience as the Clemens Leadership Development Program. This program has opened the door to incredible learning experiences—allowing me to build my leadership abilities, strengthen my communication and soft skills, and gain insight into running a complex business. I’ve also had the privilege of working with people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, which has broadened my perspective (and helped me brush up on my Spanish, too!)

Eva Wozniak, Supply Chain trainee. 2026. 
“I have already had the opportunity to step up and cover for employees during their PTO. This allowed me to take on more responsibility and strengthen my leadership skills. I believe that the best way to learn is by doing. Covering for others and having the ability to own responsibilities is what is making the difference in my development. 

“The LDP program is a great opportunity for someone who is not sure what they want to do or someone who does not have a lot of experience in the area. What I love about the program is that it is a unique once in a lifetime opportunity to try multiple roles and discover what you are passionate about. Your career post rotation is in your hands.” 


Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone entering the program tomorrow?

Addison Woelkers, Operations – Production trainee, 2026.
“The first piece of advice I would give is to come in with an open mind. Clemens does things very specifically to Clemens, meaning that whatever experience or education you have, it may apply a little bit differently here. It’s a good thing because it really stretches your mind and capabilities to grow when learning new and different concepts. Coming in with an open mind also means being flexible and able to change on a dime. Specifically, in my LDP role in Operations, flexibility is the name of the game and if someone is not comfortable with constant change and adjustments, it would be difficult to thrive in this role. The second piece of advice I have is to treat everyone with respect, no matter if it’s the people in the person handing out PPE or the President – how you treat people matters. Building genuine, trusting relationships will get you a lot further than maybe some other skills or abilities.” 

Eva Wozniak, Supply Chain trainee. 2026. 
“Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Everyone at Clemens values fresh perspectives, and your input can make a real impact. Be honest and speak straight during your mentorship sessions. If you are struggling or need support, don’t hesitate to communicate that. The team and mentors are here to help you grow and succeed.” 

Grace Frey, Operations - Production trainee, 2026. 
“Be comfortable being uncomfortable. You won’t know everything at first—and that’s okay. The best learning comes from hands-on experience and keeping an open mind. In operations especially, communication is everything: talk with your team members, team leads, supervisors, and other management—they’re full of knowledge and always willing to help if you bring a positive attitude and strong work ethic. It’s hard work, but it’s one of the best learning experiences you’ll ever have. Lastly, build relationships across departments—connection is key to success and will open doors you didn’t even expect.”

Jackson Heon, Operations - Production trainee, 2026.
“Be curious and open to learning in every rotation or position, even in areas you think might not align with your interests. Some of my most valuable growth came from unexpected places. Also, build relationships early and often—success in this program isn’t just about performance, it’s about people. Listen actively, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to stretch yourself. Lastly, learn as much as possible. Even in areas where you are not focused there is valuable knowledge that can help you now or in the near future.”

Sofia Nicastro, Process Engineering trainee, 2026.
“The advice that I would give to someone entering the program tomorrow is to be curious! I have been able to make meaningful contributions to different projects, large and small, because I was curious and asked what was going on. This has allowed me to gain a wider breadth of knowledge about the company and industry as well as make more meaningful connections.”

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If you’re inspired by these stories and ready to start your own leadership journey, there’s no better place to grow than Clemens Food Group. Here, you’ll find a company that invests in its people, leads with purpose, and believes in developing future leaders who make a difference.