We recently spoke with Elba García about her nearly three decades with Gills Onions and how her team has become a second family. In our conversation, Elba shares her beginnings as a young team member and transition to a key leadership role. Her experiences offer a unique glimpse into what makes Gills great: our people.
A New Beginning At Gills
Elba’s story with Gills began in 1997. She moved to California from her hometown Zacatecas, Mexico, at a young age. Looking for stability and opportunity, she applied to work at Gills Onions. She was quickly welcomed to the team. “I came here for a job, but I stayed because of the people,” Elba shares. Her sense of community grew stronger as she began to develop relationships with her colleagues, who became an extended family to her.
Commitment to Excellence In and Outside Work
Elba is a Line Lead at Gills, supervising a production team. She is responsible for overseeing her team and ensuring the product maintains the high standards that have made the company synonymous with quality in the industry. Her day begins early at 6:00 a.m., when she checks in with her team and makes sure they have everything they need to be successful. She also ensures the work area is safe and everyone is following the proper procedures.
It’s Elba’s attention and commitment to excellence that have made her so vital to the company’s quality control. In fact, her daily routine has become second nature over the years; her passion for her work shines through in each and every task she takes on.
Elba’s pride in her role extends beyond her work. She values the opportunities Gills Onions has given her to grow both professionally and personally. “I’ve learned so much here,” Elba says. “And now I’m able to support my family with a steady job.” Elba’s dedication is also reflected in her family life—she has two daughters, aged 18 and 10. Her career at Gills provides her the flexibility to pick up daughters from school each day and spend quality time with them.
A Team-Oriented Environment That Feels Like Family
For Elba, working in agriculture is more than a job. It gives her a sense of purpose, rooted in the strong relationships she’s formed with her team. What sets Gills Onions apart, Elba says, is the team-oriented environment and the company’s commitment to work-life balance. “It’s a place where you can grow and feel valued,” she reflects. “It’s like working with family,” she says, highlighting the close-knit relationships that make Gills Onions a unique place to work.
Elba’s Advice to Future Gills Team Members
Elba’s advice to anyone considering joining Gills Onions is simple: “This is a place where you can build your future. You’ll find support, respect, and opportunities to grow.” After 27 years with the company, Elba knows firsthand the rewards of a long-term career at Gills Onions. She’s seen the company grow and change over the years and feels proud to be part of its success.
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.