Raised in Northern California, Dans exposure to agriculture was limited to his parents small farm and his friends almond orchard until his immersion into agriculture in 1997, when he entered the almond industry. Later he gained experience in Walnuts, pistachios and other treenuts. Currently, Dan is serving in several roles for Hackler Enterprises. Dan is the Assistant General Manager for Honda, Kawasaki, KTM of Modesto, International Sales for Turlock Walnut Company and Domestic Sales for JenJil Packaging, Inc. Dan was the CEO of the California Deet Association; a nonprofit organization devoted to improving habitat for deer and other wildlife. Prior to that three years stint at the California Deer Association, Dan served as President and CEO at Agcom LLC, part of a diversified multinational organization involved in garment manufacturing, logistics, menthol production and tree nut trade and production. Dan also serves as the Principal at Dan Whisenhunt Consulting, in Turlock, California. Previously, he was responsible for grower relations (guiding the organization to a 25% increase in acreage under contract), as well as over-seeing more than 200 million dollars in international sales annually and the administration of all logistics for domestic and international shipments for a notable almond packer. Prior to being recruited to that position, Dan was President-International Division for a global agricultural marketer/exporter. There he started and was responsible for more than 100 million dollars in annual international sales. He was also responsible for the divisions logistics operations. In 1998 he was recruited as Director of Sales and Marketing to a mid-size almond packer and exporter, where he was responsible for all domestic and international sales, credit, collections, marketing and positioning of the Company to both growers in California and buyers of almonds around the world. He was directly responsible for a four-fold growth of the company during his tenure. Dans background also includes the fields of human resources and financial services, business development and training. Dan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in Marketing and Business Education from California State University, Sacramento and a recent MBA from California State University, Stanislaus. Dan has been a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers for over fifteen years. He attained the AAC designation (Accredited Agricultural Consultant) in 2012. He is on the Board of Directors of the California Chapter; currently he is the President Elect. He is also serving as the Chair of the FARMit Education Committee (farm management education) and is a member of the Farm Management / Ag Consulting Education Committee on the national level of ASFMRA. Dan, after years of study in the subject, has obtained the designation of CPT (Certified Personality Trainer). This allows Dan to coach individuals and organizations in the study of the personalities to increase productivity and cooperation. Balancing work and family, he also finds time to be active in community organizations. Dan has been married to his wife, Denise since 1989 and has two adult children.