COLLEAGUE HIGHLIGHT: GINGER HERGENROEDER

Meet Ginger Hergenroeder: Colleague of The Morning Star Company since 2025

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Ginger Hergenroeder, you know she brings an infectious energy and genuine warmth to every conversation. Whether she’s connecting with a customer, sharing stories about her family, or planning her next getaway, Ginger radiates enthusiasm for both life and work — a combination that makes her a natural fit at Morning Star.

Ginger officially joined Morning Star in 2025, but her connection to the company runs much deeper. She had worked alongside Morning Star colleagues for more than a decade while in the packaging industry, often collaborating at plants and trade shows. Over the years, she developed lasting friendships and an appreciation for the company’s culture. What drew her in most was the sense of respect and camaraderie she saw among colleagues. Morning Star felt less like a corporation and more like a community — a place where people enjoyed what they did and supported one another.

A proud Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate with a degree in Agricultural Business and Marketing, Ginger’s career path has been anything but ordinary. She began in retail management at Macy’s, where her love of handbags was born, before moving into food packaging with Viskase and later Amcor. After a time in pharmaceuticals and medical skincare — even sitting in on cosmetic procedures during her tenure with SkinMedica — she eventually returned to packaging, spending 13 years with Cryovac serving the tomato industry. The transition to Morning Star’s self-management culture was a change of pace but one that suited her well, giving her the freedom to lead with accountability, collaboration, and purpose.

Outside of work, Ginger’s world revolves around her family — especially her two daughters, Hailee and Heidee. Hailee, 22, recently graduated from Kansas State and is pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling, while Heidee, 20, is studying Sociology and Cinema & Film Studies at the University of Tennessee. The three of them share a love of travel, shopping, sports, and concerts, always making time to enjoy life together whether it’s cheering at a college football game or exploring a new city.

Ginger also makes time for her long-distance boyfriend, Robert, who works in the pipeline industry and lives halfway across the country, as well as her spirited 84-year-old mother, who keeps her laughing and grounded. Family means everything to her, and she embraces every opportunity to spend time with the people she loves.

When she’s home, Ginger channels her creative side into decorating — most notably her legendary Christmas displays featuring 15 to 20 trees each year. She’s a devoted country music fan (she’s seen George Strait more than 30 times), enjoys Italian and Mexican food, and finds comfort in Hallmark Christmas movies and a good murder mystery novel.

Looking ahead, Ginger hopes the next decade brings continued happiness, health, and connection both personally and professionally. She strives to deepen her understanding of the tomato industry, strengthen relationships with customers and colleagues, and keep learning from every experience along the way.

Whether she’s building customer partnerships, cheering from the stands, or stringing lights on yet another Christmas tree, Ginger brings her signature blend of warmth, energy, and dedication to everything she does — making her an invaluable part of the Morning Star family.

###