Raquel Espinoza was the first woman working in the sales department of Meyer Tomatoes, Nogales, Ariz., more than 15 years ago.
Today, Espinoza is director of sales and marketing at her own company, Produce House, also in Nogales.
She dipped her toes into the produce industry when she found a secretarial job at Meyer Tomatoes during her first summer in college.
Choosing the School of Produce Life over graduating from college in pursuit of a legal career, Espinoza worked her way up at the company for the next 12 years, gaining hands-on experience.
She worked in several departments to learn as many facets of the company as possible, including tracking invoices, coordinating sales, handling grower accounting and collections. Then, company President Robert Meyer invited Espinoza to work at her own sales desk.
For three decades, Espinoza worked at several Nogales area companies to learn the business.
“This industry has been my ongoing education for over 30 years,” she said. “It continues to teach me every day.”
Finally, Espinoza took all that learning and established her own business, where she focuses on sales and marketing. The company distributes several types of melons and many vegetables — including hard-shell squashes, tomatoes, garlic, peppers and cucumbers.
“The Produce House was not even a figment of my imagination until the summer of 2015, as opportunities would strike and I was able to recognize them,” she said. “It has been seven years since its inception, and we continue to grow strong as a company.”
The personalities and faces that comprise the industry are what make her career so rewarding.
“The people, always the people. Listen, and there you can find many answers,” Espinoza said.
Her leadership style takes a coaching approach.
Espinoza dedicates a lot of time to helping her staff members learn and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This process can make even their weakness a strength, she said.
Related news: Espinoza thrives at her Produce House
The industry is crazy busy and unpredictable, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that global upset has taught Espinoza that everything is possible.
A healthy mindset among the chaos is key.
“Keeping things balanced is probably the most challenging aspect of my job,” Espinoza said, but she reminds herself “that some things are out of my control.”
The guidance and encouragement of many people through the years have helped, from her entrepreneur boyfriend and supportive parents to her daughters and the growers, customers and team members who inspire her every day.
Espinoza believes in following through on her word.
On her LinkedIn page in the “About” category, Espinoza wrote: “Never promise ... Just deliver fresh fruits and vegetables!”
Espinoza is proud of the people who make up this company.
“We would not be where we are today without the great people who have helped build it,” she said. “I am the collective of many ideas and have chosen the ones that work best for me.
