Do you like meeting new people? Find out more about Julio Pulido, a Receiving Manager working in our Coachella, California cooling facility. Keep reading to find out more about his work at Ocean Mist Farms and how he likes to spend his free time!
1. How long have you worked at Ocean Mist Farms? What was your first job when you started and what is your current job?
Julio clearly remembers the first day he began his career at Ocean Mist Farms. He started out as an Ice Injector in the cooler facility. Soon after, he realized how much he enjoyed his job and the importance of what he was doing. In that moment, he also knew that he would like to stay with Ocean Mist Farms for a while. Julio says, “November 2021 marked 27 years of working for Ocean Mist Farms, November 4th to be exact”. In those 27 years, Julio was promoted from Ice Injector to Lead Receiving Supervisor to his position today, Receiving Manager, where he manages a team of employees.
2. How closely do you work with your counterpart, Johnny Rivas, Cooling and Receiving Manager at Ocean Mist Farms Castroville, Ca?
We are very much in contact. "Johnny Rivas is a great co-worker and is always on top of any needs we have. We maintain constant communication; talk through updates of our work area and exchange ideas to make the work area safer and more efficient. As a team, we help each other in any way we can." Julio and Johnny collaborate regularly and especially during transition, when we move cooling operations from one location to the next.
3. What does your typical workday look like and what are you & your team responsible for?
My workday starts with prepping employees and equipment for the day. I start out by speaking to my team about the importance of working as a team and communicating with each other throughout the day to maintain a safe work environment. I make sure that our cooling equipment is regularly serviced and is working properly (hydrovacs, Ice Injector, and forklifts) . My team and I receive, unload and cool approximately 85,000- 90,000 daily cartons. We have a strict 4- hour cut-to-cool policy, so working efficiently with a well prepared team and equipment is key to maintaining this promise!
4. What are some challenges in your role?
One of the biggest challenges is the climate in Coachella, which is a desert area with very high temperatures. The high temps could impact the freshness and quality of the freshly harvested vegetables we receive. We have a longer cooling cycle in Coachella, than in Castroville, and it takes a fair bit of team collaboration in the yard to keep the product in shaded areas out of the hot sun as it waits to be cooled. Working efficiently and in collaboration with our Logistics Team we strive daily to meet the ultimate goal of ensuring on-time loading for our customers.
5. Describe your job in 3 words!
Passion, Innovation and Perseverance!
6. What is your best memory of Ocean Mist Farms?
I could fill a book with so many good memories I have of Ocean Mist Farms, but if I had to choose one it would be the end of season celebration in Coachella. The welcoming and warmth that the company shows to all employees and their families is a great feeling. My family and I enjoy the company of others and the new friends and connections we make each year.
7. What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you while working for Ocean Mist Farms?
The Plant Manager at that time invited the cooler supervisors to dinner to kick off the start of the Coachella season. The main courses arrived and were being served around the table, it smelled delicious and everyone couldn’t wait to eat. Everything was going well but when the waitress served my dish, she stumbled and the dish fell all over my shirt. For a second, there was nothing but silence then pure laughter. The waitress apologized again and again and minutes later she brought me a t-shirt. We definitely had a good laugh and a memorable meal together!
8. How would you describe yourself in one word and why?
Persevering, because to achieve goals you must persevere and love what you do. I don't like to use the words ‘I can't’.
9. What is the best advice you have ever received?
My mother told me, “Life is not easy! You need to be prepared, study, and remember you cannot go back in time and change what has happened. I only ask you one thing: fight for your dream and do not stop, persevere”.
10. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy walking and spending quality time with my family. I also find comfort in meditation and carpentry! My favorite sport to watch is NASCAR racing, and at times Formula 1 racing. Or you might find me in the kitchen making one my favorite artichoke recipes, Ocean Mist Farms' Easy Grilled Artichokes.
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