It’s not uncommon at Rainier Fruit to find employees that have worked for the company for 5, 10, 15+ years, so it’s no surprise that we introduce you to 16 year veteran Gustavo Carvajal.
Gustavo is an English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher and a Solar/Energy Management Consultant here at Rainier. Yes, he wears multiple hats with a couple jobs titles, but we hope his jobs are telling of who we are as a company and the priorities we place on social responsibility, but we’ll let Gustavo tell you in his own words what he thinks about what we do because our employees are our best spokespeople.
“In my time working for Rainier Fruit I have seen the company grow and diversify. Growing sometimes affects the ethos of an organization. But this is not the case here at Rainier. I have seen the company grow in size and scope without wavering on its commitment to its employees and to the surrounding community. Rainier provides, on the one hand, a great work environment together with opportunities for its employees to grow personally and better their skills – that’s one part of where I come in and help with ESL. On the other hand, its commitment to a healthy community is shown through having one of the largest solar panel installations in the fruit industry showing a true commitment to sustainable energy. And of course their community support of events such as the Relay for Life and the Gap to Gap show how this company is making an effort to live up to its motto Wholesome to the Core.”
There’s no doubt it feels good to hear positive feedback from our employees about how we run our business, but truth be told, it’s more fun to hear about our employees and what makes them tick because they are really the heart and soul of what we do here at Rainier. It is their passions, their families and their ideals that support us, and Gustavo is a great example of passion.
Like so many of us that live in the Yakima Valley, Gustavo makes sure that he takes full advantage of all the seasons offered by this beautiful landscape. From rollerblading, canoeing, kayaking and bike riding in the warmer months, to skating, skiing and snowboarding during the winter these are many of his many outdoor hobbies that he takes part in with his family that includes 4 children age 12, 10, 8 and 5.
“We have four distinct seasons here in our Valley and each season brings a variety of opportunities to connect with nature and oneself. It’s so easy to soak up the beauty of creation as we walk through trails at Mt. Rainier National Park and see the breathtaking views and refreshing sites of wildlife and vegetation. They are a good reminder that we are also spiritual beings called to be good stewards of this beautiful state we call home.”
And speaking of being good stewards. Gustavo and his wife Katrina focus on their own Golden Rule: Love God and Love Others.
“We believe that a good balance of life springs out of a healthy heart. We take care of our physical heart and we plant seeds of hope, love, cooperation and praise all around us. We accept that we are not perfect but we strive to extend grace to one another and encourage each other to be and give our best.”
These are such inspirational words and a meaningful way to live Wholesome to the Core. And as part of their personal stewardship and sharing their blessings, Gustavo and his family spend considerable time giving back through regular time on Ski Patrol, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and serving as volunteers in local schools, along with mission trips to Mexico and Central America to help install water purification plants.
Gustavo is proof that we all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, both in our job and in our personal time. Wholesome to the Core is our motto and we strive to create a company culture that allows us to grow the best quality fruit for consumers around the world, but it also allows us to grow great employees that are stewards of their families and their communities.