Pacific Coast Fresh Co. says it was recently recognized at the Oregon State University Family Business Awards where it received the Business Renewal Award.
Oregon State University gives the award to a family that works to ensure stewardship of the business that sustains growth and shareholders’ assets with future generations in mind, according to a news release.
The company recently rebranded from Pacific Coast Fruit Co. to Pacific Coast Fresh Co.
OSU’s College of Business launched the awards program in 1988 to celebrate the accomplishments of Oregon’s family-owned businesses, regardless of industry, size or revenue. Award categories reflect sound family business practices and achievements.
Founded in 1977 by Emil Nemarnik with only a single truck, a warehouse and a team of eight employees who were mostly family, Pacific Coast Fresh Co. is now co-owned by Emil’s children, David Nemarnik and Nancy Brugato. Tom Brugato, president of Pacific Coast Fresh Co., oversees a business that operates two warehouses with 175,000-plus square feet, a modernized fleet of refrigerated trucks, more than 450 employees and has the distinction of a SQF Certified Prepared Foods facility. Tom and Nancy Brugato’s son, David Brugato, is now the director of operations at the company’s Kent Warehouse, continuing the family legacy as a third-generation leader in the business.
Over the past 47 years, the company has grown beyond fresh produce to include dairy, protein, grocery items, fresh-cut foods, prepared foods, a fresh floral program and more, the release said. The company said it also recently upgraded its website and online ordering solution.
“My parents envisioned a family business that could be passed down through generations, and I credit our continued success to the strong core values they instilled in the company culture,” David Nemarnik, co-owner and CEO of Pacific Coast Fresh Co., said in the release. “They exemplified the importance of always looking to the future, asking how we can improve, innovate and stay open to new ideas. Winning this award is a tremendous honor for us. It validates that we are on the right track and doing something right. While four walls and a roof make a building, it’s the people who make a business, and we are committed to taking care of our customers, vendors and employees for generations to come.”
