From Passion to Prevention: Frank Garcia’s Journey in Workplace Safety

Frank Garcia’s impact at Gills Onions was felt long before his official start date. In 2014, he was a safety coordinator for a staffing agency supporting Gills Onions. His expertise and deep care for employee well-being made a lasting impression. By 2017, Frank was invited to join the Gills’ team full-time—an opportunity he gladly accepted.

Now serving as the safety manager for both Gills Onions and Gills Transport, Frank is responsible for all safety and OSHA compliance operations. From overseeing trainings to managing chemical safety protocols, his daily routine reflects a deep commitment to keeping every employee safe. “My job covers everything safety-related,” Frank says. “From 6 a.m. stretches to late-shift check-ins, I’m always making sure protocols are followed.”

Training, Trust, and Teamwork

Frank’s mornings begin early (6 a.m. sharp) with employee warm-ups and stretches. These five-minute routines might seem simple, but they’re part of a broader culture of proactive safety. He then walks through every department, conducting assessments and job hazard analyses to ensure teams are following Gills safety protocols.

Every week, Frank leads production safety meetings on topics ranging from slip and fall prevention to lockout/tagout procedures and chemical handling. Every other week, he holds extended trainings like forklift certifications or equipment-specific safety sessions. “We want to be proactive, not reactive,” he says. “That mindset has helped us reduce incidents by over 50%, and we’re now approaching 70%.”

Gills Onions has backed that approach fully. “Our production management team has given me the opportunity to put safety on our employees’ minds every day,” Frank adds. “That support has helped us build a strong safety culture across the company.”

Inspired by Family, Driven by Purpose

Frank’s passion for safety has personal roots. Raised in Ventura County, Frank watched his father, a maintenance supervisor at a packing house, suffer permanent hearing loss due to a lack of protective equipment on the job. “He’s deaf because the environment wasn’t safe,” Frank shares. “He was never provided proper safety gear. Now, every time I talk to him, I have to yell or use a device so he can hear.”

That experience motivated Frank to make safety his life’s work. He pursued a degree in Occupational Health and Safety and is currently completing his bachelor’s at Columbia Southern University. Alongside his education, he worked for respected staffing firms like Select and Manpower, serving in safety leadership roles that helped shape his current approach.

“Making sure that our employees go home safe to their families. Make sure that at the end of the day when they retire that they don’t have an issue like I did with my parents or with my father at this time,” Frank shares. “That’s my passion. I love safety because I could vow that I do everything possible on my end to make sure that all employees go home safely.”

Creativity as a Counterbalance

When he’s not walking job sites or leading trainings, Frank finds peace in art and nature. A lifelong painter, he specializes in acrylic landscapes inspired by the fields and skies of Ventura County. “I’ve been painting since I was ten,” he says. “I can see a scene, close my eyes, and recreate it on canvas. It’s how I unwind after a long day.”

His creative eye also makes him highly detail-oriented: a trait that serves him well in safety. He’s  able to catch things others might miss whether he’s painting or walking the floor, he notices the little things.

Frank’s home life is just as grounded. He and his wife, high school sweethearts, share a close bond and enjoy hiking together. Their two grown children are thriving. His son runs a successful barbershop in Ventura , and his daughter recently graduated from Long Beach State and now works in accounting. “We’re a close family. We support each other fully,” Frank says. “My wife is my best friend.”

Respect, Recognition, and Real Support

Frank has worked at many companies over the years, but none like Gills Onions. “Here, you’re not a number. You’re treated like family,” he says. “Everyone is known by name, and the company truly cares about its people.”

The support for safety at Gills Onions is one of the things he values most. “When I raise a concern, they act on it. That’s rare. And it’s why I take so much pride in working here.”

His advice to potential applicants? “Be prepared to be treated like family,” Frank advises. “Everyone here is respected, and people really look out for one another.”

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.