Meet Our Team
As much as we're obsessed with our wild harvested coconuts, the most essential ingredient at Zuma Valley headquarters isn't found amongst the trees—it's in our team. A unique group of world travelers, compassionate citizens, big dreamers and tireless doers, our team reflects a beautiful spectrum of cultures and careers, connected by a common passion for creating positive impact. With varying diets from Vegan, Keto, Paleo, Flexitarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free we all can agree on eating one thing... Coconut! Some might say that accepting a role at Zuma Valley is a fresh step in a new direction, but we'd like to think that everyone here has simply found their way home.
Julie Labin
FOUNDER & CEO
Julie truly lives and breathes our tagline – coconut is everything to her. She brings her infectious laugh and passion for coconut to make her dream a reality every single day. Most of all, she loves people and is laser focused on our customers (especially when that means helping them get more coconut!).
After coconut and its electrolytes helped her to recover from an accident, she realized her mission in life is to share the power of coconut with as many people as possible.
Julie's path to wellness took her to Malibu, where the beach, canyons, and sea breezes captivated and healed her. Before hearing the siren call of coconut, Julie was pursuing a globetrotting career in international diplomacy.
After coconut and its electrolytes helped her to recover from an accident, she realized her mission in life is to share the power of coconut with as many people as possible.
Julie's path to wellness took her to Malibu, where the beach, canyons, and sea breezes captivated and healed her. Before hearing the siren call of coconut, Julie was pursuing a globetrotting career in international diplomacy.
TEAM TRIVIA
In addition to being a coconut whisperer, Julie is also fluent in Spanish. Todo Amor por el Coco!
David Rosensweig
FINANCE AND GROWTH
Our Jack-of-all-Trades who keeps our bottom line in check, our operations on point, and our traction off-the-charts. David brings over a decade of diversified experience in finance and a passion for nourishing, real foods.
When not wrangling the books, David is a certified Human Potential Coach and a founding board member of 88 International, a nonprofit music organization creating social impact through music.
He holds an MBA from Columbia University and BAs in Engineering and History of Science from the University of Pennsylvania.
When not wrangling the books, David is a certified Human Potential Coach and a founding board member of 88 International, a nonprofit music organization creating social impact through music.
He holds an MBA from Columbia University and BAs in Engineering and History of Science from the University of Pennsylvania.
TEAM TRIVIA
In Singapore, David fell in love with young coconuts and started his mornings with one instead of coffee. His colleagues caught on—and a tradition was born!
Luke Abbott
STRATEGY & GROWTH PARTNER
A titan in the food industry—our King Coconut. With the guiding principle of "Luke approved," if the answer is "yes" then you know the matter at hand will inherently be a winner.
Former CEO of Monterrey Provision Company, Luke led 800% growth from 2008 to 2017, expanding from 4 to 22 states and managing $250M P&L and 350+ staff nationwide.
Today, Luke leads Vdriven Consulting and Venture Studio with investments in the cutting edge plant-based CPG space.
Former CEO of Monterrey Provision Company, Luke led 800% growth from 2008 to 2017, expanding from 4 to 22 states and managing $250M P&L and 350+ staff nationwide.
Today, Luke leads Vdriven Consulting and Venture Studio with investments in the cutting edge plant-based CPG space.
TEAM TRIVIA
On a trip to the Philippines, Luke didn't have a spoon—so he used a piece of coconut husk and shell to enjoy the delicious meat!
Jessica Baxter
OPERATIONS MANAGER
A lifelong student of holistic wellness, Jessica keeps both her daily pursuit of optimal health and the operations at Zuma Valley flowing smoothly.
A champion of Mother Earth, Jessica is passionate about protecting all beings and creating a regenerative, zero waste way of living.
Off the clock, you'll find her with her doggies, friends and family, exploring nature and breathing in the fresh, open air.
A champion of Mother Earth, Jessica is passionate about protecting all beings and creating a regenerative, zero waste way of living.
Off the clock, you'll find her with her doggies, friends and family, exploring nature and breathing in the fresh, open air.
TEAM TRIVIA
A foodie at heart, Jessica loves creating recipes from scratch. Zuma Valley Coconut Cream and Coconut Meat are her secret ingredients!