Led by experts with more than 60 combined years of experience in the produce industry.
RipeLocker is a leader in extending the post-harvest life of perishables. Our patented, dynamic, low-atmosphere containers are used for storing and shipping fresh produce and flowers, and extend the post-harvest life by several weeks, often even months. The RipeLocker containers are pallet-sized, made from recycled materials and are reusable. They are leased to customers and the realized returns far exceed the cost of the lease.
Grower/packers, shippers, retailers, consumers and the environment all benefit when RipeLocker containers are used. RipeLocker, founded in 2016 and based in Seattle, WA, is a science-based and data-driven company. It has been testing the efficacy of its RipeLocker containers for several years with many of the largest growers in the world.
Leadership

George Lobisser
George started RipeLocker shortly after selling Pace International, a company he owned for 12 years. During his tenure at Pace, the company rose from a minor player to the world leader in post-harvest treatment of pome, citrus and stone fruit. George has held Board positions with numerous companies and foundations, including NeoVision, B-Line LLC, Agrofresh and the Washington State Investment Board. He’s also served as a part-time lecturer at the University of Washington School of Business, and is a member of Washington State Bar Association (inactive). He lives with his wife, Nancy, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and enjoys cycling, skiing and fly fishing in his spare time. George’s favorite fruit? Berries.

Kyle Lobisser
Kyle started his career at Boeing, designing composite structures for the 787 Dreamliner, before becoming the lead structural engineer at an all-electric aircraft company. He then worked for Apple, where he focused on improvements to iPads and other devices. In 2016, Kyle joined his father, George, at RipeLocker, where he was responsible for all engineering aspects of the company. He’s devoted his career to reducing the environmental impact of product lifecycles, which led to a net zero-waste manufacturing process for RipeLocker. He lives with his wife, Kristen, and daughter Sabine, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. When not working, Kyle enjoys kite boarding and all forms of cycling. His favorite fruit? Sumo citrus.

Ricardo Diaz
Ricardo has dedicated his entire career to the fruit industry. He began work as a field advisor for Chiquita Chile, working with apple, pear and kiwi growers. This work led him to graduate studies in horticulture and agribusiness at Washington State University. Upon graduation, he went to work for Pace International, where he led the growth of the newly created preharvest division. More recently, Ricardo served as director of the Maule region for CEAP, helping to bring innovative, technology-based products to the Chilean produce industry. He lives with his wife, Carolina, and children Bruno, Martin and Laura, in Wenatchee, Washington, where they play tennis several times a week. Ricardo’s favorite fruit? Cosmic Crisp Apples.

Richard Kim, PhD
Richard holds a B.S. in Plant Pathology and Entomology, an M.S. in Plant Physiology, and a PhD in Plant Pathology. He has led research into postharvest fungal disease at Washington State University and for Pace International for more than 18 years. Most recently, his research contributed to the reopening of the Chinese market to Washington apples. Richard is a longtime member of the Postharvest Pathology Committee of the American Phytophathological Society the International Society for Horticultural Science. He lives with his wife, Jae, daughter Cassie, and son John in Yakima, Washington. For recreation, Richard teaches golf and skiing. His favorite fruit? Rainier cherries.
Additional Team Members
Andy Harrah
Head of Software
Eric Levi
Lead Systems Engineer
Alex Tellekson
Shop Technician and Data Analysis