Inside the bustling Gills Onions facility, where the scent of onions fills the air and the hum of machinery reverberates throughout each room, stands a man who truly embodies the spirit of growth and determination.
Recently, we had the chance to sit down with Gabriel Davila, an integral part of our workforce for more than two decades, now holding the pivotal role of production foreman in the slice department. As he shared more about his life story from the fields of Mexico to leading a team in a fast-paced produce processing facility, it soon became apparent that his personal journey is nothing less than profoundly motivating.
The Challenges Ahead
Raised near Durango, Mexico, Gabriel grew up surrounded by the sound of rustling corn leaves and the earthy fragrance of beans on his family’s farm. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work as he helped harvest beans after school alongside his 11 siblings, laying the foundation for the strong work ethic and can-do attitude that defines him today.
When asked about the source of his work ethic, Gabriel responded without hesitation, attributing it entirely to his father, who passed away when he was just 11 years old. However, despite this loss, Gabriel gained valuable life lessons from his father’s guidance, lessons that continue to hold significance for him even now.
At 15, Gabriel embarked on a new chapter in the United States with several of his siblings, filled with dreams and aspirations. However, adjusting to his new country had its fair share of challenges as he was bullied for his limited English, ultimately leaving school after just one month.
“Not long after, my family said if I wasn’t going to go to school, I would need to start working,” said Gabriel. This ultimately led him to work at a nearby packinghouse where he packaged broccoli, carrots, onions, and cabbage.
However, Gabriel’s aspirations soared even higher, driving him to pursue opportunities for advancement within the company, only to encounter setbacks. At one point, Gabriel’s supervisor at the time delivered a crushing blow, informing him and several others that they would never achieve success in life. Yet, fate intervened when Gabriel crossed paths with a supervisor from Gills Onions by chance. Sensing an opportunity, Gabriel inquired about joining the Gills team. Fortunately for him, the cards fell in his favor and in 2000, he embarked on what has proven to be an extraordinary journey within the company.
Making a Name for Himself
His initial role, loading onions into tubes for slicing, was merely a stepping stone to greater heights. Fueled by a desire to prove his worth, Gabriel demonstrated his capabilities at every turn, earning the trust of his peers and superiors alike. When the opportunity to step into a leadership role presented itself, he didn’t hesitate to seize it, paving the way for a new chapter in his career.
Today, as the production foreman for the slice department, Gabriel oversees a team of 50 individuals as they slice between 17,000 to 20,000 pounds of onions daily. From coordinating production schedules to ensuring quality standards are met, his days are a whirlwind of activity, underscored by his unwavering commitment to excellence.
By coincidence, Gabriel had an unexpected encounter with his former supervisor, the one who had once told him he would never amount to anything. Despite her attempts to avoid him, he approached her to address the past. “You never gave me the chance to grow, but another company did,” he expressed. “Look how far I’ve come because someone believed in me and gave me an opportunity.”
A True Leader
But beyond the numbers and the machinery lies Gabriel’s true passion: leading and mentoring others. Drawing from his own experiences, he instills in his team the importance of perseverance and advocating for yourself, encouraging them to seize opportunities and reach for the stars.
Gabriel’s journey is not just a testament to his own resilience, but a beacon of hope for the next generation. While he wasn’t able to pursue an education, it’s something that he has always instilled in his two daughters, even when they were in elementary school. Because of this, they have been able to create their own path in life – one who now has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and the other who is working to become a nurse.
Looking at his life today, Gabriel sees the legacy of his father’s teachings continuing on to the next generation. And within the walls of Gills, he takes pride in nurturing the talents of young employees, knowing that he played a part in their growth and success.
In Gabriel, we find not just a tremendous employee, but a guiding light—a reminder that with determination, resilience, and a dash of courage, anything is possible. And in the slice department of Gills Onions, his legacy continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.