GUADALUPE, CA - Grower/shipper Beachside Produce has expanded its team to include three new, highly qualified individuals. Jim Gipe will join the company as Senior Account Manager and Commodity Specialist, Adrian Espinoza will fill a recently established role of Procurement and Commodity Coordinator, and Marcos Perez will act as Industry Sales Manager.

With a lifelong background in the produce industry, Gipe brings a wealth of experience. Growing up in Yuma, Arizona, he was part of a family that worked for the Bruce Church Company in Arizona and California. In his early teens, Gipe began his produce career moving sprinkler pipe each summer. In the late 80s and early 90s he worked with SYSCO as a Buyer and Merchandiser, and has since been selling for some of the major Salinas Valley Growers/Shippers and ran a successful brokerage business before joining Beachside.

“Jim will add depth, experience, and creativity to our sales team as a Senior Account Manager and Commodity Specialist,” said Steve Adlesh, Director of Sales. “We are absolutely thrilled he has joined our staff.”

Espinoza comes from a third generation farming family—in the early 70s his grandfather founded Big E Produce. Growing up working for the family business in Lompoc, California, Espinoza has since worked in many facets of the industry, including cooling operations, harvesting, and labor—including food safety and human resources. He most recently served as Harvest Manager for Epic Veg in Lompoc before working as Ag Manager of Operations for growers in Mexico for Western Pacific.

“Adrian brings a very strong skill set to Beachside and we are proud to have him on board,” said Adlesh in a press release.

As Industry Sales Manager, Perez was hired to create new opportunities in Organic Sourcing and Sales, along with Industrial Programs and expanded contract business. Perez grew up in Santa Maria and began his career at Gold Coast Packing. Prior to joining Beachside, Perez worked at Innovative Produce, focusing on Organic Produce and Industrial Sales, Contract Sales, and Business Development. He also brings with him experience in both Wholesale Produce Distribution and FOB Sales.

“Marcos has an excellent understanding of the industrial side of our business; especially juicing and organic sourcing,” said Adlesh. “He will become a key component in diversifying our business and growing new sales.”

Congratulations to Jim, Adrien, Marcos, and the whole Beachside Produce team!

Beachside Produce