Q: How are you involved in the almond industry?
A: I am originally from Southern California, but after meeting my wife, Chris, I knew I wanted to move to where she was from, so we ended up buying a piece of property in Turlock with almonds trees nearly 40 years ago – this was my first introduction to the almond industry. They were older trees, and I learned a lot while farming them for nearly a decade, and then 28 years ago, I planted a new orchard. It was a great place to raise kids on a farm. It taught them the value of a work ethic, and today, all our kids are involved in the industry in some way. In the middle of that, I found myself working at Burchell Nursery for 26 years as a field representative, which allowed me the opportunity to serve on ABC’s Research Committee for nearly 20 years.
Q: How did you get involved with the Almond Leadership Program and how many years have you been a mentor?
A: After serving on the Research Committee and retiring from Burchell Nursery, I was contacted by ABC, asking if I would like to serve as a mentor. Eleven years later, I am still here and enjoying watching the changes and growth of the program.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a mentor in the Almond Leadership Program?
A: Meeting younger people, the energy they bring and the innovative ideas they bring to the table. Some of us old people are not going to be around forever, and we need the young people to keep moving the industry forward, and keep the innovative ideas coming.
Q: What is your favorite memory during your time as a mentor?
A: Attending the seminars with the participants. In particular, the annual seminar at Burchell Nursery is my favorite. I love seeing the look on participants faces when they view the budding process in real time. That is a unique experience that even many growers have not witnessed, so it is always fun to see their eyes widen at how quick and precise of a process it is.
Q: What advice do you have for (young) almond leaders?
A: Keep an open mind and ask questions! Don't try to reinvent the wheel, instead make a better wheel. We must expand on what we have done not throw it away and come back with some off the wall idea. It is the young people that keep the ball rolling and the leadership program has helped in doing that so far, just in seeing alumni that step up to serve on a committee and/or the BOD itself.
Q: How do you like to eat almonds?
A: I enjoy natural or slightly salted and roasted on top of a bowl of vanilla ice cream!
