Dan Giraudo–President
Dan Giraudo is the President of Gold Coast Bakeries, parent company to Dobake Bakeries, SoCal Bakeries and Artisan Bakers. Prior to joining Gold Coast, Dan oversaw the Wholesale Bakery Division for Andre Boudin Bakeries in California and Illinois. Dan serves on the Board of Directors of the California Chamber of Commerce. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgetown University and a M.B.A. from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.
Dan Giraudo is the President of Gold Coast Bakeries, parent company to Dobake Bakeries, SoCal Bakeries and Artisan Bakers. Prior to joining Gold Coast, Dan oversaw the Wholesale Bakery Division for Andre Boudin Bakeries in California and Illinois. Dan serves on the Board of Directors of the California Chamber of Commerce. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgetown University and a M.B.A. from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.
Ron Tallia–Vice President, Sales
Ron Tallia comes to Dobake Bakeries with extensive experience in sales and marketing management. Ron has held key Region and Customer Management positions at Sara Lee Food & Beverage, and Keebler/Kellogg’s Company. At Dobake Bakeries, Ron oversees sales strategy across multiple channels, and directs the R&D and innovation efforts. Ron has contributed to the food industry serving on various boards of directors, including the California Grocers Association and The Illuminators, and has attended the USC Executive Program in Food Industry Management. His educational background includes a BS degree from Cal. State University, Sacramento and a M.B.A. from U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Ron Tallia comes to Dobake Bakeries with extensive experience in sales and marketing management. Ron has held key Region and Customer Management positions at Sara Lee Food & Beverage, and Keebler/Kellogg’s Company. At Dobake Bakeries, Ron oversees sales strategy across multiple channels, and directs the R&D and innovation efforts. Ron has contributed to the food industry serving on various boards of directors, including the California Grocers Association and The Illuminators, and has attended the USC Executive Program in Food Industry Management. His educational background includes a BS degree from Cal. State University, Sacramento and a M.B.A. from U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Lynn Knott–Marketing Manager
Lynn Knott joined Dobake Bakeries in 2009. She brings experience in marketing and marketing communications management in both the food and medical industries to the organization. Prior to joining Dobake Bakeries, Lynn was Marketing Manager at Niman Ranch, a privately held Natural Meat Company. She has also served as a Marketing Communications Manager at a medical diagnostics company. At Dobake Bakeries, Lynn is responsible for managing all aspects of the marketing department including the company’s new product development efforts from concept to launch. She also acts as a Key Account Manager. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with an emphasis in Marketing) from San Francisco State University. Lynn is a SF Bay Area native.
Lynn Knott joined Dobake Bakeries in 2009. She brings experience in marketing and marketing communications management in both the food and medical industries to the organization. Prior to joining Dobake Bakeries, Lynn was Marketing Manager at Niman Ranch, a privately held Natural Meat Company. She has also served as a Marketing Communications Manager at a medical diagnostics company. At Dobake Bakeries, Lynn is responsible for managing all aspects of the marketing department including the company’s new product development efforts from concept to launch. She also acts as a Key Account Manager. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with an emphasis in Marketing) from San Francisco State University. Lynn is a SF Bay Area native.
Merril Gilbert–Sales and Marketing Project Manager
Merril Gilbert has over 15 years of operational experience in the restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturing. In 1994, she founded Restaurant Operation Strategies, a full service hospitality, retail, and specialty food consulting firm. At Dobake Bakeries, Merril leads a number of product development initiatives, and most notably our California School Food Service program. Additionally, she is the lead restaurant consultant for the San Francisco Small Business Development Center, part of the SBA, a member of Chef’s Collaborative, and recently named co-marketing chair, to the California School Nutrition Association. Merril has a double Bachelor of Science Degree in Anthropology and Geology from Northern Arizona University.
Merril Gilbert has over 15 years of operational experience in the restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturing. In 1994, she founded Restaurant Operation Strategies, a full service hospitality, retail, and specialty food consulting firm. At Dobake Bakeries, Merril leads a number of product development initiatives, and most notably our California School Food Service program. Additionally, she is the lead restaurant consultant for the San Francisco Small Business Development Center, part of the SBA, a member of Chef’s Collaborative, and recently named co-marketing chair, to the California School Nutrition Association. Merril has a double Bachelor of Science Degree in Anthropology and Geology from Northern Arizona University.