Success Stories - Alfonso
Alfonso originally started with Reiter Affiliated Companies in 1992 as a strawberry picker. Now, 14 years later, he is the vice president of RAC’s Southern California district. RAC interviwer sat down to talk to him about his past, present, and future:
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RAC: Why did you originally come to the United States?
Alfonso: (Smiles) I actually came up here from Mexico to work and save up enough money to buy a motorcycle, and I never did go back. (except to visit).
RAC: For you, what was is the most important quality to your success?
Alfonso: The big key for me was chasing the dream. I have always tried to be the best at whatever I do: I give it 100%. I feel a lot of satisfaction at having had the opportunity to not only grow as a businessman, but as an individual.
RAC: How do you think Reiter Affiliated Companies has helped you to achieve your goals?
Alfonso: I have always told Garland that I felt RAC was my form of education; it gave me the knowledge, experience, tools, and skills to succeed in life. I knew I had talent, and RAC gave me the opportunity to use it accordingly. I grew up as a picker and slowly but surely moved through the ranks: even today I go to the field and recognize some of the pickers that I used to work with.
RAC: Where do you see RAC in the future?
Alfonso: RAC’s future is one of the reasons I decided to come back (he was a partner and decided to come back as Vice President of Southern Operations). I saw that RAC was having some problems and knew that I had the necessary skills to help them out. I believe that we are going to be one of the premier companies, not only in berries, but in all agriculture.
RAC: How do you see yourself as a leader?
Alfonso: As I’ve said before I grew up on the fields, I treat people how I would like to be treated. You have to honest and respectful, and if you aren’t either one of those you don’t belong with Reiter Affiliated Companies.