Hello again everyone, this is Cole and I wanted to post an update. A lot has happened over the past couple of weeks with the GEC team. We all probably feel like we are jumping from hotel to hotel, living out of our small but mighty suitcases, or traveling to a new and exciting location with the trailer because we spend nearly every day on the road. We spend a great deal of time with each other while traveling and we all try to bring excitement and laughter to the group knowing we may be in a van for up to 5 hours when traveling, plus all the hours spent at the trailer together, plus the family meals, to finally ending each day. We try to bring fun, excitement, support, music and laughter to the group. We may have started off as the GEC team but as time goes on we have become the GEC family. Meaning, it only takes one trip with us and you are automatically a part of the GEC family. We have all bonded together and have formed close friendships, much like a family.
Many team members have very different backgrounds that bring out a lot of diversity among the GEC family. Having spent all this time together, we have learned a great deal about each other. First off, Noah and I have an interesting passion and background of agricultural, following with Mitch, who has high energy for Marketing. Hailey studies Biology, which we can look toward her for any questions regarding that field, and finally Brittany who studied Global Studies adding yet another different perspective on the GEC trailer. With all of our different backgrounds, the GEC team offers a tremendous skill set when meeting the public. We can answer just about everything that is asked of us.
Currently we are all having a great time traveling all over the eastern United States. Some of the states have included Virginia, Ohio (OH-IO….that’s a shout out to the Buckeyes), New York, and finally Illinois with many more visits to come. The funny thing about me being from the United States and living in a small farming community is that I have never traveled to any of the locations that we have currently attended which makes each location a fun and new experience with our GEC family. I know, it sounds like I didn’t get out much as a child but most of our family vacations were in the south like Florida or Alabama; I guess we liked it hot.
Each week we are very lucky to add new members to the GEC family even if it is for a short amount of time. The GEC guests can range from growers at the greenhouses, warehouse employees, or even from the fast-paced sales office. Each person brings a different outlook of the company. I have learned so much from each person. I try to ask every question I can think of to have a solid foundation of all aspects of this great company as it continues to grow.
- Benny–Grower, a comedian in his own way, I have never laughed so hard while driving to and from Virginia. Surprisingly, for a 11-hour drive, the radio was hardly ever played.
- Renato–Grower, very passionate about growing, always wanting to help educate others about agriculture.
- Chris–Warehouse, quiet at first, but gave a different view from the shipping side of the produce and how it was packaged. Interesting to learn.
- Richie–Sales Office, a great spokesperson, loud and vibrant that brings great energy.
- Amber–Sales Office, the latest member currently to be added to the family. She is very caring and looking to help anyone in anyway she can.
When the GEC family was in Illinois we all had the great privilege to attend the United Fresh 2017 trade show. I was amazed with the whole event. This was my very first trade show to attend and thought it was amazing. The NatureFreshTM Farms booth was eye appealing and had a great location. We were in a perfect spot that created a lot of foot traffic. What also helped was that the voting booth was right across the traffic lane; this made it perfect for individuals wanting to vote. I want to give a congratulations shout out to NatureFresh Farms for winning all of their awards in the past week.
Recently, we have also had the opportunity to work with elementary school students. It has been inspiring to show the youth of today how their greenhouse vegetables are grown. It is exciting to see their smiles when looking into the trailer and see everything from the plants, to the bees, to the irrigation. They were eager to ask questions at the Hudson Manor living home.
In summary, I am thrilled once again to share my experiences with you. I am so fortunate to be just one member of a team that is more like a family. I have spent countless hours traveling, talking, learning, and laughing with my co-workers. This has been a grand adventure and I look forward to begin each new day.
