SOLEDAD, CA – Gavino “David” Cardenas, a cherished, long-time employee at Braga Fresh Family Farms, is celebrating his 45th year with the company.
That may seem like a lifetime, but for David, it’s been an honor. Over the past 45 years, he has witnessed this family of companies go from cattle ranchers to farmers of organic and conventional fresh produce. He has worked with cattle, tomatoes, corn, alfalfa and hay, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, iceberg, kales and chards, leaf lettuces, sweet baby broccoli, radishes, and herbs during his tenure, according to a press release.
His rise up the company ladder has been nothing short of amazing. He started as an irrigator in August of 1970 and then became a tractor driver. He eventually became farm supervisor and currently oversees all of the company drip tape crews.
Stanley Braga, Chairman of the Board, recalled the times when David enjoyed working with cattle alongside his brother Norman and father Sebastian.
“David has been a hard-working guy all his life,” said Stanley. “He started at the bottom and worked his way up. He would keep trying at new things until he became an expert and is always willing to learn more.”
Rod Braga, President and CEO, just four or five years old at the time, remembers David working alongside his grandfather and brother.
“He’s a valued employee today and a link to my past,” said Rod. “He’s always been the first to work and the last to leave. I’m sure that will continue until he’s well into his nineties.”
Braga Fresh is honored to celebrate 45 years working with David, and looks forward to making even more memories with him.
