Operations Executive - COO - Strategic Leader in Cold Storage &

Mike E. Mazzei

Administrative – Chief Operating Officer, Executive Operations Leader,

Bakersfield, California • 661-***-**** • *******@***.*** •

Executive Summary

Vision-driven operations executive with 24 years of leadership at Kern Ice & Cold Storage

LLC — an 80,000+ sq. ft. cold, freezer, and dry storage hub serving the agriculture, energy,

and distribution sectors. Recognized for strategic foresight, disciplined execution, and a

leadership style rooted in integrity, accountability, and respect. Skilled in end-to-end

operations, global logistics, HR and compliance oversight, and client relationship

management.

Respected by peers and employees alike, I’ve built a reputation for optimizing performance,

exceeding audit and safety standards, and leading organizations through growth, change,

and transition with steadiness and clarity.

Core Competencies

Executive Operations & Administrative Leadership • Cold Storage, Logistics & Cross-Dock

Management • Contract Negotiation & Vendor Relations • GFSI / Food Safety Certification

(Avg. 99% Score) • Strategic Planning & Business Development • Human Resources, Team

Building & Employee Relations • Supply Chain Coordination (U.S., China, Japan, Itichu,

Canada, Mexico) • Agriculture & Energy Sector Support • Risk Mitigation & Regulatory

Compliance (OSHA, IIAR, BFD) • Community Engagement & Public Relations

Professional Experience

• Administrative Chief Operating Officer

Kern Ice & Cold Storage LLC — Bakersfield, California

2002 – 2025

Oversaw full administrative, operational, and HR management for a multizone (freezer,

cooler, dry) warehouse with cross-dock logistics and 80,000+ sq. ft. of handling space. Led a

multi-industry client portfolio including agriculture, food distribution, and oil/energy

logistics.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

- Directed all contract negotiations, business development, and client relations for Kern Ice’s

top accounts including but not limited to Grimmway Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Langer

Farms and the Antelope Valley School District.

-Directed and Managed Kern Ice staff in international logistics and export coordination to

China, Japan, Itichu, Canada, and Mexico.

- Championed GFSI certification, earning consistent 99% food safety audit scores.- Supervised all HR operations including hiring, performance evaluation, and employee

relations.

- Spearheaded administrative systems for budgeting, AP/AR, and compliance tracking.

- Collaborated with oil-sector clients (Best Core, Area Energy) to manage shipment of

geological core samples.

- Developed and maintained partnerships with regional small businesses as a distribution

hub.

- Acted as liaison with the Bakersfield Fire Department and regulatory agencies on IIAR

ammonia system oversight.

Community & Board Involvement

- Volunteer, Hoffmann Hospice — 12 Years of Service.

- Board of Directors, California State University, Bakersfield — 6 Years of Fundraising and

Program support for student athletes.

- Event Leadership & Annual Community Outreach – BBQ team:

OLPH, Garces Memorial, CSUB, St. Vincent de Paul, Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Bakersfield

Christian High School (BCHS)

Certifications & Professional Development

- GFSI / Food Safety Systems Certification

- OSHA & IIAR Ammonia Safety Procedures

- Leadership Development & Conflict Resolution Training

- Warehouse & Cold-Chain Management

Professional Philosophy

“True leadership lies in service, consistency, and community. My goal has always been to

build operations that people trust — where quality, safety, and teamwork define success.”

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