CHIP GEE-- Equipment Manager

"My brother, Chip, came onboard in 1995. He has built or rebuilt every piece of equipment we use in the field. His equipment helps us reach perfection. Great companies have great tools."

Born and raised in Moorpark, California, Chip Gee missed the small town feeling his rapidly expanding hometown had once possessed. When his older brother, Daren, offered him the position as Equipment Manager in Santa Maria, Chip left the welding shop he owned in the Semi Valley to bring his wife; Dorinda and daughters; Kayla and Kendra to the rural area like the one he had once grown up in.

Since 1995 Chip has built, maintained and often designed the equipment for DB Specialty Farms. Before and during field installation Chip oversees as many as 30 employees in order to have the equipment built and working properly for his department’s busiest time of year. As the farm’s acreage increases, Chip finds keeping up with the company’s rapidly expanding equipment needs.

Chip still loves eating strawberries and likes them best right out of the field or with shortcake and topped with whipped cream.

"Mi hermano, Chip, llego a bordo en 1995. El a construido y re-construido cada pieza de equipo que usamos en el rancho. Su equipo nos ha ayudado a alcanzar la perfeccion. Buenas companias poseen buenas herramientas."

Nacio y crecio en Moorpark California. Chip Gee extrañaba el sentimiento de un pueblo chico que crecio rapidamente. Cuando su hermano mayo, Daren, le ofrecio un trabajo como Encargado del equipo en Santa Maria, Chip dejo su taller de soldadura que tenia en Semi Valley para traerse a su esposa; Dorinda, y a sus hijas; Kayla y Kendra una area rural como donde el habia crecido.

Desde 1995 Chip a construido, mantenido y creado el equipo de D B Specialty Farms. Antes y durante la instalacion en el rancho Chip supervisa alrededor de 30 empleados para asegurarse que el equipo este construido y trabajando apropiadamente para la temporada de mucho trabajo durante el año. Mientras la compania crece en acres, Chip encuentra la manera de mantenerse al tanto de las necesidade. A Chip todavida le encanta comer fresas directamente del fil o en pastel cubiertas de crema.

 

JOEY COELHO--General Assitant Manager

From Riverdale, California Joe is the Assistant General Manager to DB Farms. His specialties include research and development, fumigation, state correspondence and crop management. Joe’s favorite parts of his job are the people that he works with and the atmosphere. He is constantly being faced with the challenges of new and changing regulations. He is the Oldest of six kids, and was raised on a farm as a child, which is where his love for farming all started. A Cal Poly Graduate, he found an ad for a position at DB Farms, applied, and started work in July of 2006. He now lives in San Luis Obispo with his girlfriend of five years, Nicole, and the newest addition to their lives and the farm; a Boston terrier puppy named Boscoe. Joe Likes his strawberries immediately picked right off the plant, or blended with vanilla ice cream.

De Riverdale California Joe es el Asistente General de D B Farms. Su especialidad incluye investigacion y desarollo, fumigacion, correspondencia al estado y manejo de la cosecha. Su parte favorita de Joe es la gente con la que trabaja y el ambiente. El tiene que enfrentarse constantemente a nuevos cambios y regulaciones. Es el mayor de seis hijos, y crecio en la granja cuando niño. Graduado de la universidad de Cal Poly encontro un anuncio para una posicion en D B Farms, aplico, y comenzo a trabajar en Julio del 2006. Ahora el vive en San Luis Obispo con su novia de cinco años, Nicole, y con la nueva adicion a su familia y a la granja; una mascota Boston terrier que se llama Boscoe. A Joe le gustan las fresas recien cortadas, o mescladas con nieve de vainilla.

 

ROGELIO MERCADO--- Growing Supervisor

"Rogelio and I have been friends for eighteen years. I was very pleased in 1994, when he agreed to leave Oxnard and come to Santa Maria. This was a great step towards DB Specialty Farm’s success today. Rogelio knows how to grow strawberries. Our fields show it day in and day out."
Rogelio Mercado grew up in Durango, Mexico before moving to Oxnard, California in 1982 to work in the strawberry business. In 1994, he moved to Santa Maria to work for DB Specialty Farms as Growing Supervisor.Rogelio enjoys his multiple responsibilities of overseeing operations on all of the farm’s ranches, and having something different to do every day keeps him excited about the job. Rogelio finds that staying current with stringent government regulations has become increasingly difficult since he first started working in the strawberry business over twenty years ago.
Rogelio and his wife; Adela, their three daughters; Cecilia, Reina and Lorena, along with a son, Jose agrees that the best way to eat strawberries is fresh off of the plant.

"Rogelio y yo hemos sido amigos por dieciocho años. Estuve muy contento cuando en 1994, el estuvo de acuerdo en abandonar la ciudad de Oxnard y venir a Santa Maria. Esto fue un gran paso para el exito de D B specialty Farms en el presente. Rogelio sabe como crecer la fresa. Nuestros files lo demuestran al principio de cada dia y al final de cada dia".

Rogelio Mercado crecio en Durando, Mexico antes de moverse a Oxnard, California en 1982 para trabajar en el negocio de la fresa. En 1994 se movio a Santa Maria para trabajar en D B Specialty Farms como Supervisor de crecimiento. Rogelio disfruta de sus multiples responsabilidades y observa todas las operaciones que se llevan a cabo en cada rancho, y tener algo diferente que hacer cada dia lo mantiene emocionado por su trabajo. Rogelio encuentra que ha aumentado la dificultad de mantenerse al corriente con todas las nuevas regulaciones del govierno desde que comenzo a trabajar en el negocio de la fresa hace mas de veinte años.

Rogelio y su esposa; Adela, sus tres hijas; Cecilia, Reina, Lorena, y su hijo Jose estan de acuerdo que la mejor forma de comer fresas es recien cotadas de la planta.

 

JAVIER MALDONADO--Harvest Supervisor

"In 1994 when I hired Javier to be my labor manager, I was told it was too big of a job for him. This last year Javier managed 1,200 people; what a success story. He takes the hardest job and makes it look easy."

Javier Maldonado left his hometown of Michoacan, Mexico for the Santa Maria Valley in 1991 where he began his illustrious career in the strawberry industry working for Daren at Santa Cruz Berry Farm. When Daren formed DB Specialty Farms in 1994, Javier joined him. As Harvesting and Labor Supervisor, Javier is responsible for estimating and coordinating daily production for all of the farm’s 500 acres.

With the ever-increasing acreage to oversee, Javier’s biggest challenge is to maximize productivity while maintaining the superior quality that DB Specialty Farms is known for. Javier welcomes the growth, however, and says that “there are a lot of things I like about my job. I enjoy being a part of the decision making process for this company. My ideas are always treated with respect. I am also able to earn a comfortable living for my family.”

Javier and his wife, Leticia, have four daughters; Irene, Isabel and Melissa and Cindy. They like eating their strawberries fresh off of the plant, but also enjoy them with salt, lemon and Valentina (hot sauce).

"En 1994 when contrate a Javier como encargado de los trabajadores, alguien me dijo que hera un trabajo muy grande para el. Este ultimo año Javier estubo a cargo de 1,200 empleads; que historia de exito. El toma el trabajo mas dificil y lo hace ver facil."

Con el crecimiento en acres para vigilar, el mayor reto para Javier es que la productividad llegue al maximo mientras se mantiene la calidad por lo cual D B Specialty Farms es reconocida. Javier le agrada la idea de crecer, pero dice " hay muchas cosas que me gustan de mi trabajo. Me agrada tomar parte en el proceso de tomar decisiones en esta compania. Mis ideas siempre son tratadas con respeto. Mi trabajo me ayuda a mantener a mi familia."

Javier y su esposa Leticia tienen cuatro hijas; Irene, Isabel, Melissa, y Cindy. Ellos les gusta comer fresas frescas de la planta, pero tambien las disfrutan con sal, limon y salsa Valentina.

 

GUILLERMO MALDONADO-- Safety Coordinator

"Guillermo is Javier’s (harvest supervisor) brother and, like his brother, managing people is natural. Year in and year out, the same people always return to work on his ranch. He gives us the experienced workers that all companies need, and we are sure glad he is on our team."

Guillermo moved from his hometown of Michoacan, Mexico to Oxnard, California to seek work in the strawberry business. It was there, while working for Saticoy Berry Farms, that he met Daren who was working for the same company. When Daren moved to the Santa Maria Valley in 1991 to start his own farm, he offered Guillermo the opportunity to join him. Guillermo accepted and was promoted to Ranch Manager in 1995.

Guillermo looks at every day on the job as a chance to both learn something new and to teach others. He says that keeping employees happy and maintaining a workforce for the ranch his most important responsibilities.

Guillermo and his wife, Beatriz, along with their two children, Janet and David, like making strawberry juice and eating strawberries with ice cream.

"Guillermo es el hermano de Javier (supervisor de cosecha), y al igual que su hermano supervisar es algo natural. Cada principio de año hasta final del año las mismas personas siempre regresan a trabajar al rancho. El trae trabajadores experimentados que todas las companias necesitan, y estamos orgullosos que pertenesca a nuestro equipo."

Guillermo se movio de su pueblo natal Michoacan, Mexico a la ciudad de Oxnard California para buscar trabajo en la industria de la fresa. Ahi donde trabajando para Saticoy Berry Farms conocio a Daren quien tambien trabajaba para la misma compania. Cuando Daren se mudo al valle de Santa Maria en 1991 para comenzar su propia compania le ofrecio a Guillermo una oportunidad que trabajar con el. Guillermo acepto y fue promovido a mayordomo de rancho en 1995. Guillermo mira cada dia de trabajo como una oportunidad de aprender algo nuevo y enseñar a los demas. El dice que mantener a los empleados contentos y mantener la union es su responsabilidad mas importante.

Guillermo y su esposa Beatriz con sus dos hijos; Janet y David les gusta hacer jugo de fresa, y comerlas con nieve.

 

 

NANCY MACHUT --Office Manager

"I first met Nancy in 1990 through my accounting firm. She took a huge risk to wor for me in 1991, knowing I was just starting out. Nancy has been here for me all these years. Her desire for perfection is greatly appreciated. Without her farming five hundred acres would quickly become the world’s greatest nightmare."

Born and raised in Los Angeles County, Nancy Machut moved to Santa Maria in 1986 with her husband; Tom, and two daughters; Shannon and Laurie. After working for a local CPA for several years, Nancy became Daren’s first Santa Maria employee in 1991.

When she began overseeing office operations for DB Specialty Farms, Nancy worked from a trailer with just one computer on the then 80-acre ranch. She currently does payroll and personnel for as many as 1,200 employees at the season’s peak and shares an office network with six computers. Nancy says she loves her job in large part, because of Daren. “He makes it a fun place to work. He is almost always in a great mood, and I know that I am appreciated and trusted and that I am contributing to the business’ success.” Nancy says her biggest challenges are the never ending regulations and the high cost of doing business in California.

After all of these years, Nancy still loves to eat strawberries and likes them best cut up and served with a little brown sugar and topped with real whipped cream.

"Yo conoci a Nancy en 1990 por mi compania de contabilidad. Ella tomo el reto y vino a trabajar conmigo en 1991, sabiendo que yo apenas estaba empezando. Ella ha estado aqui todos estos años. Su deceo por la perfeccion es grandemente apreciado. Sin ella, trabajar en mas de 500 acres rapidamente se convertiria en una pesadilla."

Nacio y crecio en el condado de Los Angeles. Nancy Machut se mudo a Santa Maria en 1986 con su esposo; Tom y sus dos hijas; Shannon and Laurie. Despues de trabajar para una compania de contabilidad local, Nancy se convirtio en la primer empleada de Daren en Santa Maria en 1991.

Cuando Nancy comenzo a ver las operaciones de la oficina para D B Specialty Farms, Nancy trabajo desde una casa mobil con solo una computadora para un rancho de entonces 80-acres. Actualmente hace contabilidad y mantenimiento de personal para alrededor de 1,200 empleados cuando esta la temporada alta y comparte el sistema con 6 computadoras. Nancy dice que le encanta su trabajo y en mucha parte por Daren. "El hace un lugar divertido para trabajar. Casi siempre esta de buen humor, y se que soy apreciada y confiable y que estoy contribuyendo al exito de la compania." Nancy dice que su mayor reto son las nuevas regulaciones que nunca terminan y el alto costo de mantener un negocio en California.

Depues de tantos años a Nancy todavia le encantan las fresas recien cortadas y servidas con azucar cafe y cubiertas con crema.

 

EDEL GAMEZ--Office Secretary

From Jalisco, Mexico Edelmira Gamez came to California in 1978. Edel works as an office assitant since 2003. She travels around all the ranches every day. On mornings she picks up stuff that needs to be delivered to the office in a daily basis, and in the afternoon she takes stuff that needs to be delivered from office to ranches. Edel likes everything and enjoys everything she does at D B Specialty Farms. She likes strawberries with cream and also with yogurt.

De Jalisco, Mexico, Edelmira Gamez vino al estado de California en 1978. Edel trabaja como asistente de oficina desde el 2003. Ella viaja a todos los ranchos todos los dias. Por la mañana recoge envios de cada rancho para la oficina, y por la tarde entrega envios de la oficina para cada rancho. A Edel le gusta todo, y disfruta todo de su trabajo en D B Specialty Farms. A ella le gustan las fresas con crema y en el yogurt.

 

 

 

 

REYNA LAGUNAS -- Farm Office Secretary

Born in the state of Guerrero, Mexico moved to California in 1989 when she was brought to the United States by her parents. In 1991 after lived in Santa Ana California moved to Santa Maria with her parents; Ascencion and Esther, along with the rest of the kids; Daniel, Armando, Norma and Serafin.

Recently Reyna found an oportunity to join the team at D B Specialty Farms to work for the Research and Development Department. Currently Reyna is learning how company works and working hard to improve our safety programs at the same time she is contributing to new investigation projects.

In the present Reyna lives with her husband; Leonel, and her two kids; Daniela, four years old, and Leonardo, two years old. They enjoy eating stawberries fresh from the plant with limon and salt.

Nacio en el estado de Guerrero, se mudo a California en 1989, cuando ella y sus hermanos fueron traidos por sus padres a los Estado Unidos. En 1991 despues de haber vivido en Santa Ana California se mudo a Santa Maria con sus padres; Ascencion y Esther, en compania de sus hermanos; Daniel, Armando, Norma y Serafin.

Recientemente Reyna encontro una oportunidad de unirse al equipo de D B Specialty Farms para trabajar en el departamento de Desarrollo e Investigacion. Actualmente Reyna esta aprendiendo el funcionamiento de la compania y trabajando mucho para mejorar los programas de seguridad y al mismo tiempo contribuyendo con nuevos proyectos de investigacion.

Actualmente Reyna vive con su esposo; Leonel, y sus dos hijos; Daniela, de 4 años y Leonardo, de 2 años. A ellos les gustan las fresas recien cortadas de la plantacon sal y limon.

 

JESUS MENDEZ--Airport (solomon) Ranch Supervisor

"Chewy is part of what I call the big three; Guillermo, Antonio and Chewy. They all have large ranches and they do great work. When I first arrived in Santa Maria we needed help with labor and Chewy was there. He still here, and I’m thankful every day."
Jesus Mendez moved from his hometown of Michoacan, Mexico to Oxnard, California in 1990, where he began his career by picking strawberries. Jesus later moved to Santa Maria, where he worked as a supervisor with several other companies before settling at DB Specialty Farms.As Ranch Supervisor, Jesus is responsible for fruit quality at his ranch and ensuring that his workers have what they need to begin their day. He loves his position because of the freedom that it affords him and because he is able to spend his days outdoors in the beautiful Santa Maria weather. Jesus also likes that he is able to meet many new people at his job. Each day Jesus challenges himself and his team to complete their duties to the best of their ability.
Jesus loves strawberries and says they taste best fresh off of the plant or dipped in chocolate.

"Chewy es parte de lo que yo llamo los tres grandes; Guillermo, Antonio y Chewy. Ellos estan a cargo de ranchos grandes y hacen muy buen trabajo. Cuando recientemente yo llegue a Santa Maria necesitabamos ayuda con el trabajo y Chewy estaba listo. Todavia sigue aqui y doy gracias a diario."

Jesus Mendez se mudo de su pueblo de Michoacan, Mexico a Oxnard California en 1990, donde comenzo a piscar fresas. Despues Jesus se mudo a Santa Maria donde trabajo como supervisor para otras companias antes de venir a D B Specialty Farms. Como supervisor de rancho, Jesus es responsable por la calidad de la fruta de su rancho y se asegura que los empleados de su rancho tengan todo lo necesario para comenzar su dia de trabajo. El le encanta su posicion porque tiene la libertad de pasar los dias al aire libre en el hermoso clima de Santa Maria. Jesus tambien le gusta que conoce a mucha gente nueva en su trabajo. Cada dia es una reto para Jesus y su equipo para completar el trabajo a lo mejor de sus abilidades. Jesus le encantan las fresas frescas de la planta o bañadas en chocolate.

 

 

JOSE IMPARIO AGUIRRE-- Donovan Ranch Supervisor

"Mr. Aguirre trained under Guillermo Maldonado for two years before getting his own field. He just completed his first year with a tough piece of ground, and we could not be more proud of his performance."
Originally from Michoacan, Mexico, Jose Amparo Aguirre moved to Salinas, California in 1985, where he worked picking strawberries. In 1993, he relocated to Santa Maria and worked for Santa Cruz Berry Farms before coming to work for Daren two years later.
Within a year of working for DB Specialty Farms, Jose was offered a position as Row Boss and was again promoted to Assistant Supervisor. He performed his job so well that Jose was given his own field to supervise in 2003. Jose enjoys his role as supervisor and has ambitions to continue working his way up in the strawberry business.
Jose says he never gets tired of eating strawberries and likes them best in margaritas or fresh off the plant with whipped cream.

"El Sr. Aguirre fue entrenado bajo Guillermo Maldonado por dos años antes de tener su propio rancho. El acaba de completar su segundo año en un terreno dificil, y no podemos estar mas orgullosos de su trabajo."

Originario de Michoacan, Mexico Jose Amparo Aguirre se mudo a Salinas California en 1985 donde trabajo piscando fresa. En 1993 el se mudo a Santa Maria donde trabajo para Santa Cruz Berry Farms antes de llegar a trabajar para Daren dos años mas tarde. Despues de un año de trabajar para D B Specialty Farms, a Jose se le ofrecio una posicion como surquero y despues fue promovido para ser asistente de supervisor. Jose hiso muy buen trabajo que se le dio la oportunidad de tener su propio rancho en el 2003. Jose le gusta su rol de supervisor y tiene deceos de seguir creciendo en el negocio de la fresa. Jose dice que nunca se cansa de comer fresas y le gustan mejor en margaritas o frescas de la planta con crema.

 

JUAN MACHUCA--Ray Ranch Supervisor

"Juan did such an outstanding job for us as a Row Boss, we recently promoted him to train as a Field Supervisor. I am not surprised that he is already doing an exceptional job in his new position."

From Oaxaca, Mexico, Juan Machuca Huerta came to the United States in 1985 looking for a better live for him and his family. He first arrive to the state of Oregon where he worked harvesting pears. In 1989 he moved to Caliornia where he harvest grapes in Madera. In 2001 he came looking for a job at D B Specialty Farms where he started working as a picker. Juan Machuca currently supervises Ray ranch where he is doing a great job managing employees and managing the quality of fruit.

Juan an his family enjoys eating fresh strawberries with whip cream.

"Juan hizo tan buen trabajo como surquero que recientemente fue promovido para entrenarlo como supervisor de rancho. No me sorprende que ya este hacienco un trabajo exeptional en su nueva posicion."

De Oaxaca, Mexico, Juan Machuca Huerta vino a los Estados Unidos en 1985 buscando un mejor porvenir para el y su familia. El llego al estado de Oregon donde trabajo cosechando peras. En 1989 el se mudo al estado de California donde trabajo cosechando uvas en Madera. En el 2001 llego buscando trabajo a D B Specialty Farms donde comenzo trabajando como piscador de fresa. Actualmente Juan Machuca es supervisor del Rancho Ray donde hace un exelente trabajo supervisando a los empleados y la calidad de la fruta.

A Juan y su familia le gustan las fresas frescas y con crema.

 

ALBERTO MALDONADO--Rosemary Ranch Supervisor

"Alberto is presently training under Guillermo, who also trained Jose Amparo. When you can get him to smile he really lights up a room. We sure are happy to have him."
Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Alberto Maldonado moved to Salinas, California in 1990, where he worked as a strawberry picker for seven years. Anxious for a change, he contacted Guillermo to inquire for work in the Santa Maria Valley and in 1997 began as a picker for DB Specialty Farms. Alberto excelled at his job and was promoted to Row Boss after his first year and became Assistant Manager for the Rosemary Ranch in 2003.
Alberto is in charge of fruit quality in his current position and finds satisfaction in his career from building relationships with his fellow employees. After so many years in the business, he now has friends from all over California and Mexico.
Alberto loves eating strawberries and thinks they are best right off of the plant

"Alberto esta siendo entrenado bajo Guillermo, quien tambien entreno a Jose Amparo. Cuando logras que sonria ilumina todo un salon. Estamos felices de tenerlo."

Nacio en Michoacan, Mexico Alberto Maldonado se mudo a Salinas en 1990 donde trabajo piscando fresa por siete años. Ancioso por un cambio se comunico con Guillermo para buscar trabajo en el valle de Santa Maria y en 1997 comenzo a trabajar como piscador para D B Specialty Farms. Alberto sobresalio en su trabajo que fue promovido a surquero despues de un año y despues para ser asistente de supervisor para el rancho Rosemary en 2003. Alberto esta a cargo de la calidad de fruta de su rancho y encuentra mucha satistaccion porque hace amistad con sus compañeros de trabajo. Despues de tanto tiempo en el negocio ahora tiene amigos en todo California y tambien en Mexico. Alberto le encantan las fresas y cree que son mejor recien cortadas.

 

LUCY THE DOG

“Soon after Louie's death, my family and I decided to adopt a Boston Terrier puppy named Lucy. And although she could never replace Louie, she has become a great little ranch dog in her own right.” –Daren Gee

She follows Daren everywhere. If you have seen Daren in the fields, then chances are you’ve encountered the new dog in town; Lucy. Spunky and smart, she’s Daren’s right hand dog and a favorite to all the staff here at DB Farms. But Lucy wasn’t always by Daren’s side, she had to earn her place as a ranch dog.

Before the spunky Lucy was a Ranch dog, she was a house dog. Every morning when Daren would leave for work, Lucy would sit in the drive way and watch him drive away, off to the berry fields. She did this for a long time, and Daren never thought to take her with him, but still every morning she would sit in the driveway when Daren left. Then one day, Daren was out and about when low and behold, Lucy the dog poked her head out from his jacket in the back seat. It appears that she had snuck in the truck while he left the door open that morning. There was no use in taking Lucy all the way back home, so Daren decided to let her stay for the day and she has been by his side ever since. Lucy likes her strawberries fresh off the ground with a little dirt.

"Despues de la muerte de Louie, mi familia y yo decidimos adoptar un perrito Boston Terrier y le pusimos Lucy. Aunque nunca podra reemplazar a Louie, Lucy ha llegado a ser una mascota de rancho por su propio derecho." Daren Gee

Ella sigue a Daren a todas partes. Si has visto a Daren en el rancho propablemente te has encontrado a la nueva mascota del pueblo; Lucy. Spunky e intelifente, Lucy es la mano derecha de Daren y es la favorita de todos los empleados aqui en D B Specialty Farms. Pero Lucy no siempre estuvo al lado de Daren, ella se tuvo que ganar su lugar como una mascota de rancho.

Antes de que la spunky Lucy fuera una mascota de rancho, hera una mascota domestica. Cada mañana cuando Daren salia para el trabajo, Lucy se sentaba en la salida y lo miraba alejarse a los ranchos de fresa. Un dia Daren estaba listo para partir, Lucy la mascota saco la cabeza de su chamarra que estaba en el asiento de atras. Parece que se escondio en la camioneta cuando el dejo la puerta abierta esa mañana. No valia la pena regresar a Lucy otravez hacia la casa, asi que Daren la dejo quedarse por el dia, y ha estado a su lado desde entonces. A Lucy le gustan las fresas del piso con un poco de tierra.