Meet Darlene Mohlke, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Darlene Mohlke is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Castle & Cooke California, Inc., one of the oldest and most active developers of master planned residential communities in Bakersfield. We took a few minutes to talk to Darlene to get to know her better.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the special little farming town of Shafter, CA. My dad owned a little “mom-and-pop” grocery store where I loved to hang out. It was a very special time.
How long have you been with Castle & Cooke?
I started working at Castle & Cooke in 1995 as an Administrative Assistant. I was told that with hard work, I could expand and move up in the company. I have now been the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for approximately 10 years. I love that I am able to represent a company that believes in professional growth.
Can you give us a brief summary of what you do?
I oversee the goals of our home sales teams, whose energy and dedication is remarkable. I am also very involved in developing the marketing campaigns that showcase our communities. Another area that has been a real joy for me is serving on the board of directors of our homeowner’s associations. I get to see our communities grow from their very beginnings until the final home is sold!
What kinds of words would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate, professional, and dedicated.
What has been your most significant professional accomplishment?
That’s a tough question; I am proud of everything I have been able to accomplish working with Castle & Cooke and with my community. But one thing does stand out; the opening of Castle & Cooke’s newest master-planned community, Highgate at Seven Oaks. This has been the realization of a long-term vision, which has brought our entire team together to create the latest chapter in the Seven Oaks family of communities. From the landscaping to the completion of the model homes, it has been an incredible journey to see it come to fruition. I am equally proud to have chaired the signature fundraiser for the Bakersfield Homeless Center, which raises over $120,000 annually.
What qualities would your co-workers say you possess?
I would like to think I am known for being pleasant, professional, and most important forthright.
What are you most passionate about personally and professionally?
I like to empower and mentor those in my sphere of influence and create paths by which others can grow professionally.
Fun facts:
I am very superstitious; I will turn my car around if a black cat crosses the road. I’m not sure if it is fun for those around me, but I am also somewhat of a “neat-nik;” I cannot leave things lying about. My children used to say I was their alarm clock, waking them up by running the vacuum cleaner.
