Staff Profile

Notice the start dates! The Co-op is proud to have a workplace with several longstanding, committed employees and friends. In this issue, we’re featuring two of our own who have been with the Co-op for 22 years— each!

Jess Knowlton

Meat Department Team Member Co-op Employee since March 2002

Favorite Customer Moment:

All the different stories I’ve heard and people I have met have made working at the Co-op a very unique experience that I’m sure you wouldn’t get working at your average grocery store. Also, seeing people who were children when I started working here now being grown up with children of their own is pretty amazing. People I have met here and have been in my life have become some of my best friends and I can’t imagine never having gotten to know them. Including my amazing wife, who I met working at the Co-op.

Favorite Items in the Co-op:

The Old Silvana raw milk is one of the best things I have ever had – I drink it all day long. The smoked shredded chicken we make in the Meat Department is delicious and the tangerine olives are also very good.

We do a lot of cooking at home. The selection in produce is unmatched anywhere. Stir fry is always popular as well as soups and salads. It is really hard to beat a good Co-op pizza though!

Favorite Way to Spend Time Outside Work:

When I’m not at work I play guitar in a band as well as try to attend concerts whenever possible. I love to travel and go explore places I’ve never been. This coming May my wife and I are taking a trip to Finland and I couldn’t be more excited. And like all Skagitonians, I love the spring and summer for all the outdoor activities.

Jeremiah Hunter

Bakery Team Member Co-op Employee since March 2002

For the past 22 years, I've journeyed through the aisles of the grocery store, wearing many hats along the way. From scrubbing dishes to crafting delectable pastries, my time here has been a whirlwind of experiences, laughter, and unexpected friendships.

As a dishwasher, I learned the rhythm of the kitchen, the clatter of plates, and the camaraderie that comes from shared tasks. I transitioned to prep cook, then to butcher, where the art of precision and the wisdom of my grandfather's knife sharpening techniques became my tools of the trade.

But it was when I stepped into the world of baking that my heart truly found its home. Baking became a blend of science and passion, a realm where every ingredient told a story, and every creation was an expression of love. Ensuring that each treat was safe for those with dietary restrictions became not just a duty but a joy—a way to nourish both body and soul.

Favorite Customer Moment:

Judie, if you’re reading this, remember the “Fudge Walnut Brownie, Center Piece, Extra gooey”? It’s a masterpiece crafted with you in mind. There’s a simple joy in the connections we make with others. One of my favorite customer interactions occurred when a curious soul asked about gluten-free baked goods. As I launched into my spiel, she playfully quipped, “I’m allergic to muffins,” just to see the reaction on my face. We shared a belly laugh, and she walked away with a gluten-free donut muffin, the sweet taste of community and cinnamon lingering in the air.

Favorite Meal to Make With Co-op Ingredients:

I enjoy using ingredients across the store for pot-roast night—the culmination of a week’s worth of anticipation. A cozy affair that pairs perfectly with movie night. As the crockpot bubbles away, filling the air with savory aromas, I find myself grateful for the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals and cherished traditions.

Favorite Way to Spend Time Outside of Work:

Outside of work, I’m an avid computer enthusiast, having once ranked 9th in the world for overclocking. On weekends, you’ll find me at Silver Arrow Bowmen, navigating the TAC-style archery course nestled amidst the beauty of Little Mountain. The journey through the course is a scenic hike, filled with switchbacks, ravines, and the gentle babble of a creek. As I crest the ridge-line and navigate through dense tree coverage, the world fades away, leaving only the thrill of the hunt and the rhythm of my heartbeat.