Juan Zendejas joined Gills Onions in 2003 and over his decades of service, he has been dedicated to ensuring the highest microbiological standards for all of Gills many onion products. As the lead microbiologist, Juan’s role goes beyond just analyzing data. Instead, he plays a key part in maintaining the safety and quality that Gills Onions is known for across the country.
Reflecting on his journey, Juan recalls the opportunity that first brought him to the company. “Some of my brothers worked here, and they knew the lab manager at the time. They told me, ‘Hey, I think there’s an opportunity for you,’” Juan shares. “I applied and interviewed with the lab manager. When I came in for an interview, she asked me, ‘When do you want to start?’ I said, ‘Right away.’”
Juan brings that same level of enthusiasm to his role at Gills each and every day. We recently sat down with Juan to learn more about his career, passion for science, and what he values most about working at Gills.
A Passion for Science and Research
Originally from Mexico, Juan studied in his home country to become a químico farmacobiólogo or a pharmaceutical chemist and biologist. His career initially led him to hospitals and research labs, where he analyzed blood and microbiological samples and completed a research project to earn his degree. While Juan enjoyed his work, the opportunities for growth and development were limited. Fortunately, when he moved to the United States, Juan found his place at Gills, where he could apply his expertise in a new way.
“I’ve always loved to research microbiology,” Juan says. “I’ve always been curious—what’s in the things we can’t see? Thanks to Gills opening doors for me, I’ve been able to advance and to stay in an environment where my work and my passion align.”
Each morning, Juan starts his day early (often before sunrise) to perform critical environmental sampling before production begins. “The production starts at 6 a.m. We have to do our swabs before the sanitation team applies the sanitizer, often around 4:45 a.m.,” he explains. His responsibilities also include processing microbiology tests, preparing reagents and culture media, and compiling data for trend analysis.
“We collect product samples to verify the bacterial load and make sure everything meets our standards and the standards of our clients,” Juan says. “It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it because I like to learn something new every day.”
A Culture of Innovation and Support
Juan credits much of his job satisfaction to the company’s commitment to innovation. “Our leadership is always looking ahead,” he says. “They invest in technology needed to support us and that makes a big difference in our work.”
Beyond the technical aspects, Juan values the camaraderie and support he’s found at Gills. “I really like the work environment here. It’s a very healthy environment where we have the freedom to express ourselves, exchange ideas and solve problems if there is one. There’s always a lot of support,” he shares.
After two decades at Gills Onions, Juan continues to be driven by curiosity and a passion for research. Outside of work, he dedicates time to personal research projects, diving into scientific journals, and exploring new ideas.
As he reflects on his journey, Juan’s gratitude for his career is evident. “Not everyone gets to work in the field they studied,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to do just that.”
We’ve been fortunate to have Juan as part of the Gills family for over two decades. His knowledge and enthusiasm are essential to our success as a team. We greatly appreciate his work and recognize the expertise he brings on-site day in and day out.
Interested in becoming part of the Gills Onions team? Learn more about our career opportunities today.