Between loads of onions fresh from the field coming in and neatly stacked pallets of product leaving each day, you could say there’s a steady stream of trucks coming on and off the property at the Gills Onions production facility. For that to happen, though, it takes a lot of coordination and multiple steps to get there.
So just how do we keep things organized? With the help of dedicated and meticulous employees like Alberto Rodriguez, our shipping supervisor. Together with his team, they work to ensure each shipment meets the highest standards of quality and reliability upon their arrival and at their departure.
Fresh out of high school, Alberto joined Gills Onions, initially planning to stay long enough to save up for his first car. Little did he know that this job would become the foundation of his career. “I hadn’t worked anywhere else,” he admits, “but I liked it.” It wasn’t just the work itself that drew him in – it was the camaraderie among coworkers and the leadership of his manager that inspired him to approach each day with a positive attitude.
When he first joined our team, his workday looked a bit different than it does now. His career originally began in the shipping department, but his sole job was to stack the boxes of product on the pallet. Slowly but surely, Alberto climbed the ladder, taking on new roles and challenging himself to reach the next level.
Streamlining Success: How We Ensure Quality in Every Shipment
Now, as the shipping supervisor, Alberto’s role is multifaceted. Each day, he meticulously reviews each day’s shipping orders, verifies the cases match the system records, and checks the status of the previous day’s shipments to ensure there were no issues with delivery. This attention to detail is crucial in maintaining the high standards of our shipping operations.
Alberto explains the process: “We gather all the boxes for their shipment, stack the pallet with the heaviest product on the bottom and the lightest on top, then secure it in the shrink wrapping machine.” Each pallet is labeled with a sticker detailing its destination, order number, and contents before being placed on racks according to its shipping location – be it Northern California, Southern California, Canada, or the East Coast.
But before anything can be loaded onto the truck, each trailer is thoroughly examined to ensure it’s clean and is able to hold a constant temperature of 34 degrees. Alberto and his team inspect each trailer, ensuring everything is in top condition before the loading process begins. After the pallets are loaded, the driver, loader, and Alberto all sign off, confirming that everything is secure and ready for transport.
Looking to the Future
Inspired by his parents’ strong work ethic, Alberto embraced the challenges and opportunities that came his way. His father’s own stories of perseverance instilled in Alberto a deep sense of determination.
Looking back, Alberto is filled with gratitude for the opportunities he has received at Gills Onions. “I’m really grateful for this company and the opportunities they’ve given me,” he says earnestly. His advice for those considering a career in agriculture reflects his own journey: “In the long run, you will be grateful. You will make something out of yourself. A friend of mine once wondered if he should get involved in agriculture. Now, he’s in charge of multiple fields for one of the leading celery growers. Work hard and never give up. You may end up in charge of not just one department, but multiple. Not just one field, but multiple fields in different cities. Or like me, leading a department and moving up within the company.”
As we recognize Alberto’s achievements and the impact he continues to make here at Gills Onions, we’re reminded that behind every successful operation are individuals like him – individuals whose dedication and passion drive our collective success. Alberto Rodriguez is a shining example of how hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can turn a job into a lifelong career. We are proud to have him as a part of our team and look forward to his continued success.