Deardoff Family Farms:
US (CA): Strawberry, tomato sales veteran set to retire
David,” says Tom Deardorff, II, president of Deardorff Family Farms. “Whenever I am at events for United Fresh, PMA, WGA, or other trade groups–people always ask about David. And, when the trade press wants information about California produce, they call David.”
When he joined Deardorff in 1982, David worked in sales with Bill Deardorff (a third generation member of the Deardorff business) and Jim Henry. David sold mixed vegetable items, berries, and tomatoes.
David explains, “It was different back then...there were no contracts, we just sold what we had each day, calling our customers up on the phone or waiting for them to call us. Everything was done by phone at first, then eventually faxing came into play, and now of course there's email and all the other ways to communicate 24/7.”
Things changed quickly in 1994, when Bill Deardorff tragically and suddenly passed away. “That was a defining moment...things all came crashing down on my head but I just had to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.” David stepped up to Sales Manager, taking on more responsibility and quickly playing the lead role.
As Tom Deardorff, Sr. shares, ”David has seen and experienced the many changes in this industry. As he says, “it’s much faster now, really 24/7, and in a business of dealing with perishables, it’s important to be readily available.” In addition, he noted the increase in food safety regulations just in the past 10-15 years, and vast improvements of cooling/storage/shipping facilities.
David has indeed paid his dues with Deardorff Family Farms. As Tom Deardorff, IIsays, “He will be missed immensely for what he does, but will be missed even more for how he does it. David defines how it should be done–honesty, loyalty, integrity and hard work. On behalf of everyone at Deardorff Family Farms, we wish him the best in retirement.”
For more information:
Tom Deardorff, II
Deardoff Family Farms
Tel: +1 805-487-7801
Email: [email protected]
