40 for 40: part 4
IN RECOGNITION
Colinas Farming Company is an organization made up of hard-working and dedicated individuals who toil hours and hours each day to provide our clients with high-quality grapes in the Valley. We consider our workers as a member of our family to whom we greatly owe our success and existence over the past four decades.
In recognition and appreciation of our workers’ contributions, we dedicate this final series of our 40th anniversary celebration to them. We interviewed ten employees from different departments, and asked them about their life and experience working for us over the years.
On behalf of the management of Colinas Farming Company, we wanted to thank everyone for their invaluable contribution to the organization, and we hope that they continue to work with us for a long time.
31. Ramon Arreola, Vineyard Worker. Over 34 years with the company.
“I came to the United States in 1970 and worked in Los Angeles in a rock and gravel company for one year. I came back and worked around Modesto, California. After several years, I came to Napa; in 1984, was employed here, and worked with Paul. Ever since then, I have been working here. I like working here because they always treat us well.
I remember a funny moment while working at the corner of block one of Round Pond vineyard. There were a couple of tourists who approached us, and asked me and my friend, Alberto Zepeda, if we know where Caymus Vineyard was. I thought long and hard, and I asked my ‘compadre’ if he knew where it was. He started to think long and hard too. While we were thinking, the tourists suddenly shouted, "There it is!" Caymus vineyard was right across where we were working. The sign was right there. We knew it was there, but somehow, we drew a blank. Alberto and I started laughing after that.”
32. Ernesto Arroyo, Supervisor. Over 26 years with the company.
“I came to the US in 1986, I was 16 years old. I worked in Watsonville for three seasons harvesting strawberries. In 1990, I started working at Colinas Farming Company. Since that time, I learned a lot of things about the vines. I did all kinds of jobs from planting, suckering, harvesting, and supervising a whole crew.
I like working here, because I do different types of job every day which takes up a lot of time in my day.
I knew a lot of people, and made a lot of friends. In 1996, we formed a soccer team, and almost all of the players worked in the company. At that time, it was named Hills Vineyards. The company helped in paying for our first set of team uniforms. We played for many years in the North Bay Soccer League.”
33. Jose Juan Arroyo, Supervisor. Over 28 years with the company.
“I have been here a little over 28 years. I have two sons. My passion is soccer. Me and my family, we love to travel to Mexico every December.
Speaking of memories, what I have never forgotten since I started working here was when we installed in some vineyard blocks the irrigation system, and I remember my Supervisor (Miguel) told us to do a good job because the system is guaranteed to work for 20 years. I said who is going to see it. Well, it's been 20 years since we changed the system, and now another 10 years have gone by, and we are still here.
I like working here, in this company. I like it because I like the work I do, and I get along with all the employees, and most especially, because my employers are sympathetic.”
34. Mario Botello, Vineyard Worker. Over 6 years with the company.
“Before working here, I used to work for another company growing grapes for 15 years, after I got the opportunity to work here in Colinas Farming Company in 2010.
I like working here because of the good working environment and friendship with my co-workers.”
35. Christine Calvin, Bookkeeper. Over 7 years with the company.
“My husband Ken and I have been married for 34 years and have two children, our son Jake is 25, and our daughter Mickella is 23. Ken and I grew up across the street from each other and we live on the same street we grew up on! We love to camp, hike, water ski, snow ski and frequent baseball games every chance we get!
I have worked for Colinas Farming Company for over 7 years, I take care of the accounting and oversee the payroll.
You get to hear a lot of terminology and discussion of all the vineyards that are managed, I didn’t really understand until I got to go on a field trip. It was so interesting and informative to see the ranches, the ponds that irrigate the vineyards, the elaborate pump stations, to see the workers who are meticulously caring for the vineyards, the supervisors that are so incredibly knowledgeable about when to prune and where to prune to get the most bountiful fruit. They work tirelessly in hot weather making sure the vines will be ready with the highest quality fruit for harvest. It is very impressive!
The reason I enjoy working for Colinas Farming Company, first and foremost, are the people, they are hardworking and have a tremendous amount of pride for their roles here. Whether it’s out in the vineyard or what I consider behind the scenes here in the office, each role Is significant, and we all strive to have a high level of commitment to ensure that the product we are providing lives up to the Colinas Farming Company name.”
36. Aleli Clary, Administrative Assistant. Over 9 years with the company.
“I was born and raised in the Philippines. I think the single word that would describe working in Colinas Farming Company is “blessed”. My first day working here is also the same day I met my husband. That day was very special to me. I love spending time with my dog and fishing.
I have great admiration for all our Supervisors and vineyard workers who work hard every day in order to support and provide for their families. What they do out in the vineyards is not easy. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to work with Paul and Denise Jackson.
I have been working at Colinas Farming Company for over nine years. I learned that each one of us plays a significant part in this organization, and I appreciate how we help each other in completing tasks and achieving company goals.
With all its hard working and dedicated employees, I know that Colinas Farming Company will continue to thrive and be successful in the industry. I cannot wait to see the next 40 years.”
37. Alfonso Garcia, Supervisor. Over 34 years with the company.
“I have been working for Colinas Farming Company since 1976. I used to work in San Martin planting strawberries, before working here. I have 34 years on the job to provide for my family, and I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me.
On one occasion, we are working to fix a broken pipe, and it was very hot, and we were going to the store for sodas. I asked Paul if he wanted a beer, he said, “Oh yes, and large!” (Of course, he was joking, but it made us laugh.)”
38. Maggie Robles, Administrative Assistant. Over 5 years with the company.
“I am an adventurous and spontaneous person. I love the outdoors, traveling and family gatherings.
One of the best memories I have of Colinas Farming Company is when Denise Jackson comes to visit the office. She is my mentor. (Denise works out of her home.)
I love my job. I like that the owners trust us, and are very caring individuals. My job has a lot of variety and I can always learn more.
But I really enjoy that people know they can confide in me, and I will help them to the best of my ability. My coworkers are the best!”
39. Cruz Uribe, Shop Mechanic. Over 32 years with the company.
“The first time that I came to the U.S. was back in 1980 in Los Angeles. I was there for 4 months but I did not find work. At that time Arnulfo Uribe was also Los Angeles. Arnulfo was working for Pablo (Paul Jackson) in a different ranch before working at Hills Vineyards. He invited me to work with him and ever since then, I have worked here. I like to go dancing in the weekends. I like playing soccer, but now, after all these years, I like to go to the Casinos.
I have a very fond memory when Paul and Denise Jackson went to my ranch in Mexico. They helped a lot in the construction of the school and church in my town. I am very grateful of them.”
40. Alberto Zepeda, Vineyard Worker. Over 34 years with the company.
I started to work here in 1984, I worked for 2 years and returned to Mexico and got married. In the same year my wife went to Napa with me, and I continued working at Colinas Farming Company. They have always treated me well, and with respect. I like to watch soccer.
I remember when my first child was born, I was very nervous and I went outside of the hospital to walk. At that moment Denise Jackson was coming out of the hospital, and saw me, and she asked what happened. I explained to her what was going on. She immediately took me inside to see my wife. She told me, ‘You need to be near your wife. This is a very important moment in your life.” She stayed with us until my child was born. That was a very pleasant experience I had with Denise.
