Cristian Rizo is a behind-the-scenes hero at Gills Onions. Since joining our team in 2006, he’s dedicated his time to ensuring operations run smoothly at our facility. He started in the packing area, then to an operator position for the whole peel department and later moved to the maintenance team, where he now plays a key role in keeping the company’s machinery in top shape. Cristian’s dedication and expertise is key to ensuring the team can rely on the equipment they need to deliver the high-quality onions our customers expect.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Cristian to learn more about his role, his passion for mechanics, and what keeps him motivated each and every day.
From Packing to Maintenance
Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Cristian previously worked in agricultural fields in California, where he had firsthand experience in physically demanding, invaluable labor. Later, he joined Gills Onions in search of more opportunities. He even left Gills briefly during his 18-year tenure but came back and built a long-term career.
His career at Gills began on the production floor, where he was responsible for packing and handling products. However, Cristian’s natural curiosity about the equipment and how things worked behind the scenes led him to pursue a role in maintenance. His genuine interest in machinery, skillset, and initiative made him a perfect fit for this opportunity.
“I like to learn, especially about electronics and mechanics,” he recalls. “Gills gave me the opportunity, and I took it.”
Since transitioning into maintenance, Cristian has developed his skills in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining the equipment. His workday begins at 6:00 a.m., before the production lines are fully operational. The first priority each morning is conducting routine equipment checks to ensure that all machinery is functioning correctly. “We check the machines, make sure everything is running,” he explains. “If something breaks, we go and fix it.”
Cristian’s team of seven maintenance professionals works together to address any technical issues that arise throughout the day. Whether it’s conveyor belts, packaging machines, coolers, or sealing systems, they ensure that every piece of equipment is operating safely and efficiently. There are always new challenges, but Cristian and his team are ready for anything. He finds fulfillment in the problem-solving nature of his work and takes on the responsibility with ease.
A Strong Sense of Teamwork
One of the things Cristian values most about Gills is the team atmosphere. “There’s a lot of camaraderie here,” he says. “I have good friends, and we work well together.” The supportive culture is one of the reasons he’s enjoyed such a long, productive tenure at Gills. Likewise, having a strong, experienced team has made a significant impact on his job satisfaction.
Even after nearly 20 years with Gills, Cristian remains motivated to continue learning. His next goal is to deepen his expertise in electronics and mechanics. There’s always something new to learn in these fields, and he’s working to expand his knowledge to work on more complex repairs.
Outside of work, Cristian enjoys spending time outdoors, going on walks, and exploring the mountains and beaches with his family. He also takes pride in keeping up with home improvement projects, bringing his mechanical skills into his personal life.
Cristian’s journey at Gills is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of a supportive work environment. From starting as a packer to becoming a key player in the maintenance team, his dedication and willingness to learn have made him an invaluable part of the company. His story is a reminder that growth and opportunity are possible when you take initiative and remain open to learning.
Interested in becoming part of the Gills Onions team? Learn more about our career opportunities today.
Ready to experience the taste of onions grown “The Gills Way”? Contact our sales department to find out more.