Neal and Louisa Carter are the innovators behind Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc (OSF). As apple and cherry orchardists who have lived in the Okanagan Valley for over 25 years, they know their fruit. Their love for the outdoors extends beyond the orchard; they enjoy hiking, mountain biking and back-country skiing.
Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Science in Management of Business and Information Systems. She joined OSF in 2019 with an extensive background in agriculture. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family including her horses, dogs and a donkey. Rebecca’s favorite apple: Arctic® Goldens, and not just because she works here.
Marcy’s education includes an undergrad in Child and Youth Counselling and a Master’s Degree in Conflict Analysis and Management. She joined OSF in 2019. Marcy enjoys spending her spare time hiking with her children and dogs. She also has a passion for photography, furniture refinishing, leatherwork, knitting and sewing.
Dr. Muhammad Tahir (Tahir) has an esteemed corporate research and academic track record in both Canada and the U.S. After earning a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tahir established an impressive career with leading agricultural science companies. He joined OSF in 2020. Tahir and his family love to travel.
After completing programs in Marketing and Management at BCIT, Don began his 30 year career in the tree-fruit industry. Don joined the OSF team in 2017. He enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, especially at the family ski cabin. Don’s favorite apple is the Ambrosia.
Bob studied at Chicago State University and has worked in sales management for top food brokers and produce suppliers in the industry. He joined OSF in 2020. Adventurous and a nature lover at heart, Bob loves to hike and is an avid bird lover. His favorite apple is Arctic® Fuji.
Samarth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manipal University and a Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management from Thompson Rivers University. On his down time, Samarth can usually be found in front of the big screen enjoying a good movie or cheering on a Premier League football game.
Joel obtained a BA at the University of British Columbia – Vancouver and is a MBA graduate from Simon Fraser University, after previously earning a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. He's spent many summers working on apple and cherry orchards, including the Carter’s. Joel is an avid hockey fan.
Rhonda joined OSF in 2022 as our Human Resources and Administration Manager and is based out of Washington State, where she has lived her entire life. She brings 18 years of experience with her, having worked most of her career in manufacturing. In her spare time she enjoys white water rafting on the Salmon River, spending time in Hells Canyon, exploring vineyards, and spending time with her husband of 25 years, four children and six grandchildren.
Karen first started her career in banking at a credit union and later worked in a law office as an Accounting Manager. She's also ran her own business and received her certification for QuickBooks. Karen recently adopted two foals and is overjoyed that her granddaughter shares her passion for horses.
Marcy’s education includes an undergrad in Child and Youth Counselling and a Master’s Degree in Conflict Analysis and Management. She joined OSF in 2019. Marcy enjoys spending her spare time hiking with her children and dogs. She also has a passion for photography, furniture refinishing, leatherwork, knitting and sewing.
Gordon joined OSF in 2022 as our Financial Controller and is based out of our head office in the Okanagan. A graduate from Simon Fraser University, he brings over 30 years of solutions-oriented experience with him in both the public and private sector. In his spare time, Gordon enjoys fishing, woodworking and glamping! His favorite apple is the Royal Gala.
Denise studied Broadcast Journalism at Mount Royal University and is an award-winning writer. She joined the OSF team in 2017. Denise is a busy "hockey mom". When she's not in a freezing cold rink, she can usually be found warming up in the sunshine while boating on Okanagan Lake.
Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Science in Management of Business and Information Systems. She joined OSF in 2019 with an extensive background in agriculture. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family including her horses, dogs and a donkey. Rebecca’s favorite apple: Arctic® Goldens, and not just because she works here.
A longtime marketer, Jodi's career has included work on both the advertising agency and client side of the business for local marketing and international clients. She and her family enjoy the outdoor Okanagan lifestyle and can be found creating waves on the lake all summer. Jodi joined OSF in 2019.
Cory Lyn has many years of experience in the tree fruit industry and also holds a Logistics designation from the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation. She can often be found on the golf course, camping, or watching hockey with her boyfriend and 7-year-old son. Her favorite apple is Ambrosia.
Joining OSF in 2019, Tony brings decades of experience in the tree fruit industry, including apples of course! As an early adopter of high-density plantings his vision for our tree fruit operations is a great fit. Tony enjoys golfing and traveling with his family.
Sheena completed courses at BCIT in Accounting, Management, Communications and APICS. With 20 years of supply chain experience, Sheena is a valuable addition to the OSF team. In her free time, she enjoys a good bootcamp class, snow shoeing, motorcycle trips, and walking her dog. Her favorite apple is Gala.
Michelle joined the OSF team in 2022 as our Quality Assurance/Food Safety Manager, bringing almost 30 years of experience with her in both the chemical and food industries. She has a Master of Science degree in Food Safety from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston. Michelle is married with three grown children, four dogs, eight cats, two donkeys, a horse, ducks, and a bunch of chickens. Yes, she lives on on a farm and actually plans to open a small rescue facility for animals in the distant future. Her favorite apple is the Honeycrisp.
Brad joined the OSF team in 2021 as our Processing Operations Manager, bringing with him a wealth of extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in managing processing and packing facilities. Brad has been married for 46 years and has two adult daughters. In his spare time he enjoys Harleys, hot rods and travel. His favorite apple is the Arctic Golden!
Monica earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and an Associate’s degree from Butte Community College. Prior to working with OSF, she spent five years in various food manufacturing roles. In her free time, Monica enjoys spending time with her Dachsund, Hank, and her family.
After completing programs in Marketing and Management at BCIT, Don began his 30 year career in the tree-fruit industry. Don joined the OSF team in 2017. He enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, especially at the family ski cabin. Don’s favorite apple is the Ambrosia.
Originally from a small village in Mon State, Myanmar, Banyar completed his B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences. He came to Canada for his graduate studies and holds a Masters in Molecular Biology from the University of Western Ontario. He joined OSF in 2018. Banyar spends as much time outdoors as possible.
Joel Carter, as you may have guessed, is indeed the son of OSF founders Neal and Louisa. As such, farming has always been the most important part of his life. He and his brother Paul even came up with the Arctic® apple name and logo! Joel joined OSF in 2014.
Always academically driven, Mathieu completed the International Baccalaureate high school program and is a cell and molecular biology graduate from the University of Concordia. He's devoted significant time volunteering in his community, including his involvement with Scouts Canada. His favorite hobby is keeping himself in shape through rock climbing.
Rilee graduated from Saskatchewan Polytechnic with a diploma in BioScience Technology in 2019 and completed her student practicum at OSF before being offered a position. In her free time, Rilee loves a good road trip or a trip to the beach during the summer. Her favorite apple is a Honeycrisp.
An expert with years of experience in Cassava and Cannabis plant tissue culture, Shirley received her Bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Biotechnology and her Master’s in Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology. Shirley enjoys still-life drawing, photography, cooking, baking, and singing (though her singing platform is usually limited to the shower).
Ayushi obtained her Advanced Diploma Degree in Bioscience Technology and has been trained in the areas of molecular biology, microbiology, botany, plant physiology, and tissue/cell culture. Her hobbies include a love for singing, photography, enjoying nature, art, listening to music, and being in the kitchen. She joined OSF in 2021.
Dr. Muhammad Tahir (Tahir) has an esteemed corporate research and academic track record in both Canada and the U.S. After earning a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tahir established an impressive career with leading agricultural science companies. He joined OSF in 2020. Tahir and his family love to travel.
Li obtained her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Agriculture while studying in China and her Ph.D. Degree in Forestry in Canada. Her research experience has predominantly been in the area of plant science. Li is a busy mom who enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, gardening and working out in her spare time. Her favorite apple is the Honeycrisp.
Broad obtained his Bachelor Degree in Agronomy from Anhui Agricultural University and a Ph.D. in Pomology from Nanjing Agricultural University where his research focused on fruit tree biotechnology. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, gardening, and home renovation. Broad's favorite apple is the Fuji - luckily for him Arctic Fujis will be available soon!
Bob studied at Chicago State University and has worked in sales management for top food brokers and produce suppliers in the industry. He joined OSF in 2020. Adventurous and a nature lover at heart, Bob loves to hike and is an avid bird lover. His favorite apple is Arctic® Fuji.
