Jose Gonzalez

Procurement/Customer Service, 4Earth Farms

I first started working in produce when I was 22 years old, while at the same time starting a family with my wife and unborn child. I had no idea what I was getting into or the opportunity I would be provided working for 4Earth Farms. Starting as a warehouse order puller to eventually loader/receiver, quality control, inventory control, and finally procurement. I have met so many people thanks to the produce industry and have learned about all the different varieties of fruits and vegetables some people would not dream existed. Now when I hear the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” I wonder what kind of lemons is life giving me? Fancy, Choice, Cara Cara, Blood, or Meyer?

“As a young child, my grandmother had a garden in our backyard and while she was cooking, she would ask me to go pick jalapenos, tomatoes, and squash. That garden made a big impression on me and my life. I believe that is where my passion for food and fellowship developed. On Sundays our family would gather at my grandparents’ home to eat and laugh. I believe that no matter what happens in life there is no better feeling than gathering around the dinner table with your family and friends.”