Produce Industry Pioneer Steve Volpe Turns 90

Steve Volpe, Owner of Royal Madera Vineyards, has had quite a ride in the produce industry and is approaching another great milestone, his 90th birthday.

Steve began his career in produce by leaving the school life behind in the 7th Grade and going to work for his Father, Louis Volpe. His company was P. Volpe and Sons, a terminal market in Cleveland, Ohio.

Steve always had a desire for farming, so with lots of hard work and dedication, he decided to move west to California. In 1959, he and his wife Gloria and daughter Cheryl, arrived in Fresno, California where he began Steve Volpe Brokerage Company and dealt with many different commodities such as Melons, Citrus, and of course Grapes.

In the late 1960's he found a partnership with Lionel Steinberg in the Coachella Valley. Steve formed Travertine Vineyard and grew some of the valley's best grapes. In the early 1970's he decided to purchase a vineyard in Madera, California which began the birth of Royal Madera Vineyards, where the company has produced delicious varieties of table grapes ever since. He also continued to ship a lot of juice grapes to the East Coast.

In the early 1980's, he helped form Continental National Bank, which today is called WestAmerica Bank.

Steve has maintained his motto through the years, always saying, "If you wake up in the morning and enjoy what you are doing then you will be successful." This philosophy and his keen sense for the market made him a very diverse businessman.

Today, Royal Madera Vineyards produces delicious Grape varieties such as, Flame Seedless, Thompson Seedless, Fantasy Seedless, Crimson Seedless, Red Globe, Autumn Royal, and Autumn King.

Steve still takes pride in seeing a bountiful harvest. God has also blessed him by giving him 59 years married to the love of his life, Gloria, and also being able to see his family sharing the same love and passion for the business. With his daughter Cheryl and Son-In-Law Kirk Cerniglia, and their two sons, Stephen and Matthew, he is proud to know that his company boasts three generations. Steve Volpe, a man of honor and great pride, truly did it "His Way!"

Happy Birthday, Steve! From your friends here at AndNowUKnow.