CARPINTERIA, CA - After more than 30 years in the industry, our friend and colleague, Vincent Choate, Director of Marketing for Hollandia Produce, L.P., has announced his decision to retire, effective May 15.
“For the last 33 years I have been honored to participate in the growth and development of one of the most dynamic and progressive companies in the Ag business, Hollandia owned and operated businesses in all their different forms,” Vince wrote in a memo to the industry. “It’s been an unimaginably exciting and rewarding career and I’ve been privileged to wear many different hats.”
Vince’s enthusiasm and ability to easily adapt to any situation has given him the opportunity to learn a great deal at Hollandia, and he is quick to share how thankful he is for everything and everyone in the produce industry.
“I am and will always be thankful for the opportunities to develop and hone new skills and reach for the stars always knowing that a great team of people and the Overgaag family were right there rooting me on,” Vince continued.
Pete Overgaag, President of Hollandia Produce, L.P., had a few kind words to share about this produce maven.
“We will miss Vince both personally and professionally. Having worked side by side with him for two thirds of my life, he is like family! The company will of course feel his absence as well,” said Overgaag. “Our growth through the years has been quite an evolution, with Vince there every step of the way, making it happen. He helped drive our new initiatives, stepped up to learn what he might have been unfamiliar with and always helped mentor the rest of the team. Luckily, he will stay involved and continue to mentor our team and help with our growth in the coming years. Vince, from everyone at the company, congratulations on your retirement!”
Prior to meeting Art Overgaag, owner of Hollandia Nursery, during the early 1980s, Vince was learning about flowers and cutting meat at the Pasadena-based Preble’s Market, according to the Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC). After Preble’s, Vince worked at Groen Rose Company and Yani Wholesale Florist on the LA Flower Market. He later met Art Overgaag and was offered a job in Carpinteria. The rest, as they say, is history.
In the memo, Vince says he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Josephine, and his family, working in the garden, volunteering in the community, and contributing to the future of Hollandia Produce as the company’s Special Projects Advisor Emeritus.
AndNowUKnow congratulates Vince on his retirement, and wishes him all the best as he begins this new exciting chapter in his life.
