SALINAS, CA- River Fresh Farms is continuing to expand its operations and welcoming a couple new faces to the team with the addition of Eric Garcia into the Sales department and Maggie Simonic as Office/Accounting Manager. With these new team members, River Fresh will be able to grow its operation as a grower-shipper providing sales, marketing, customized supply chain logistics and consolidated shipping of conventional and organic fresh fruits and vegetables.
Vince Ballesteros, CEO and Founder, spoke about the new hires and the positive development in the company’s rapid evolution.
“Eric has the past experience of being in the agriculture industry. He brings energy to our team, which is definitely a plus when we are looking to build within our company,” Ballesteros, said. “Maggie has a broad range of knowledge that will help us in the overall day to day accounting and office management experience. They’re both great additions to carry out our vision here at River Fresh Farms.”
Before joining River Fresh, Garcia was employed with Dole, where he spent six years as a District Sales Manager, selling commodities, value-added, salads and more, according to a press release. Garcia got his start in agriculture as a Deputy Weight Manager with Fresh Express, where he spent five years. And even more than that, ag is in Garcia’s blood. The son of a farm working family, Garcia has experienced the industry from multiple perspectives and understands the work that it takes to get produce from farm-to-fork.
“We’re planning to get into everything and anything we can here,” Garcia shared in the release. “The momentum has been great since I got here. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the team.”
Simonic worked at the esteemed law firm of Spiering, Swartz & Kennedy, before joining River Fresh, where she spent time as a staff accountant for numerous companies. In addition, Simonic spent ten years as a staff accountant for Lago Marsino Farming in Tulare, which brings experience in the medical and retail industry to her portfolio as well.
“My goal is to be very supportive and help River Fresh Farms continue their steady growth,” said Simonic.
Congratulations to Eric and Maggie on joining the growing team at River Fresh Farms!
