This is Ag!

In episode 27, I sit down with Kim McConnell, Director of Clinical Programs at Spring Health. Together, we explore the intersection of agriculture and mental health, and UnitedAg's partnership with Spring Health, which is set to launch on March 1st. Kim, a licensed psychologist, delves into the critical need for mental health support in tight-knit communities like agriculture. Kim bravely shares her personal journey, reflecting on her struggles with depression and the pivotal role her father's company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) played in her recovery. We emphasize the importance of early intervention in mental health care, stressing the potential consequences of neglecting these issues. The discussion extends to the dangers of short-term thinking in healthcare plans, particularly regarding diagnostic procedures and mental health services. The long-term costs, both financially and in terms of human well-being, of prioritizing immediate savings over preventive measures like therapy is detrimental to the ag industry. Toward the end of our chat, we discuss the challenges of accessing healthcare while facing life stressors, and conclude with the following: it’s hard, but we’re alive. Join us as we navigate the complexities of mental health care in agriculture and work towards building a supportive and resilient community.

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Kim McConnell, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this engaging podcast episode, join me as I explore the world of business, trust, and growth with Bart Walker, the president at Pacific Ag Rentals. We delve into the symbolic importance of a handshake, representing the foundation of trust between a business and its customers. The company's impressive 23-year history is a testament to Walker's unwavering commitment to exceeding promises and cultivating trust, propelling Pacific Ag Rentals forward. During our conversation, Bart shares a valuable lesson from his father about prioritizing fairness and integrity over monetary gain when addressing customer issues. This commitment to taking the high road, even when it demands sacrifices of time and money, echoes throughout our discussion. Beyond business principles, Bart encourages listeners to focus on uplifting and supporting people, emphasizing the brevity of life. He emphasizes the transformative impact of positive words, encouragement, and collaboration. The same positive mindset is intended for his employees and customers, with a genuine effort to seek feedback for continuous service improvement. As our conversation unfolds, he reflects on his modest upbringing, recalling family dinners of cold potato soup. He suggests that facing and understanding financial challenges can make individuals more open to taking risks in business, drawing parallels between his own risk-taking journey in Florida and the exploratory spirit of Lewis and Clark. Ultimately, Walker suggests that true success is not measured by monetary value but by the valuable experience gained through taking risks. This podcast serves as a rich source of business wisdom, emphasizing trust, integrity, positive impact, and the enduring value of one's roots.

Pacific Ag Rentals (PAR) - https://www.pacificagrentals.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Bart Walker, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

I’m thrilled to share this remarkable and insightful discussion with Sonia Roldan, UnitedAg's Member Services Manager. Together, we unravel the significant role of empathy in healthcare and its impact on forging a sustainable business model. Throughout the conversation, Sonia's unwavering commitment to helping others shines through, emphasizing the significance of personalized care and empathy in the healthcare industry. Sonia shares her upbringing in the agriculture industry and how witnessing her family's struggles became the driving force behind Sonia's life mission of assisting others, rooted in the golden rule of treating people as she would want her family to be treated. We delve into Sonia's approach to cultivating a team that embodies empathy, fostering a positive work environment. She shares her goal of instilling passion within her team, highlighting the authentic member-centric approach at UnitedAg, where going the extra mile is not just a statement but a genuine commitment. Sonia concludes by sharing one poignant moment that showcases the emotional depth of her work, even in stories that may not always have a happy ending.

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Sonia Roldan, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN

Medical https://sainmedical.com/

In this podcast episode, join me as I chat with Dean Callender, Senior Vice President at Pan American and a fourth-generation farmer with a diverse career spanning leadership in transplanting crews and custom designing benefits programs. Dean shares his wealth of experience and passion for agriculture, delving into the profound impacts of industry changes and regulations on health insurance. He underscores the significance of seeking assistance, maintaining optimism, and practicing empathy as key points in retaining a successful business in an ever-changing landscape.  As our conversation unfolds, Dean imparts a valuable lesson on the podcast: the significance of investing in relationships within the tight-knit agricultural community, emphasizing the built-in support system that should be cherished for lasting success.

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Dean Callender, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN

Medical https://sainmedical.com/

In episode 23, I sit down with Ashli Sturgill, Health and Safety Manager at TheZenith, to dive into the vital safety and health concerns in the agriculture industry. Ashli's role is all about making the workplace safer, and she emphasizes that prioritizing safety isn't just about the well-being of employees but also has significant financial implications for businesses, even though it may initially seem costly.

As we explore the challenges faced by businesses in the industry, Ashli highlights that neglecting safety can result in even more substantial expenses, especially when dealing with workplace accidents and compensation claims. We stress the importance of considering the overall well-being of laborers, underlining the moral and financial imperative of proactive healthcare, both physically and mentally.

Our conversation also highlights the profound significance of community in the agriculture sector. As a member of WomenAg, Ashli underscores the value of finding stress relief and support within a like-minded group. In essence, this episode highlights that safety and health in agriculture are not just obligations but investments in the well-being of workers and the sustainability of businesses, all within the backdrop of a close-knit industry community.

Zenith Insurance - https://www.thezenith.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Ashli Sturgill, Kirti Mutatkar, Paul Lecrone, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN

Medical https://sainmedical.com/

In this month's episode, I sat down with Gary Thiara, general manager and partner of Empire Nut Company. Throughout our conversation, we spoke about the humble beginnings of the family-owned business, the public perception of the agriculture industry, and how partnering with UnitedAg has strengthened the Thiara family’s relationship with their employees.

Empire Nut Company started as a small orchard, and their success was built upon the support and collaboration of the local farming community. The nature of the agriculture industry produces modest, generous farmers who understand that investing in their communities yields the best harvests. Gary emphasizes that the public’s perception of the agriculture industry often includes stereotypes of overconsumption of natural resources and mistreatment of laborers, which he argues is far from reality. The Thiara family recognizes that the well-being and safety of their employees is essential for the success of their business. Partnering with UnitedAg, as Gary explains, streamlined the integration of healthcare and workplace benefits; this partnership helps address a common challenge in the industry, where these benefits might not be readily accessible. Empire Nut Company’s success derives from the people in their communities -- employees, partners, families – and their generosity. The values held by Empire Nut Company aligns with those of UnitedAg, resulting in a beneficial partnership that contributes to the overall well-being of employees and longevity of business.  

Empire Nut Company - https://empirenut.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Samantha Taylor, Kirti Mutatkar, Paul Lecrone, Melanie Larsen

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN

Medical https://sainmedical.com/
 

On this month’s episode, I join Ray Rumiano in Willows, California, home to Rumiano Cheese Company. Ray has a profound appreciation for the challenges faced by agriculture workers; his commitment to the family business is grounded in the connections between animals, farmers, and customers. This holistic perspective emphasizes the importance of sustainability and longevity which, in turn, produces quality products. Moreover, Ray’s dedication to his farmers and employees highlights the importance of ethically utilizing resources and appreciating the time offered in creating a quality product. The core of business operations resides in humane treatment, and this places Rumiano Cheese Company as a strong contender among large scale dairy farm operations. The passion and care trickles down to the treatment of their cows, which are grass-fed and free range. Even beyond that, Rumiano Cheese utilizes regenerative farming practices which keeps the soil nutrient rich and conserves water. 

Throughout our conversation, Ray and I connected through our shared values in commitment to serving our communities and offering gratitude to those that serve us in return; this sense of comradery, passion, and dedication results in quality products and customer service. The Rumiano family's unique approach to farming, combining traditional methods with environmental consciousness, continues their legacy in the cheesemaking industry.

Rumiano Cheese Company website - https://rumianocheese.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Samantha Taylor, Kirti Mutatkar, Paul Lecrone, Melanie Larsen

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN

Medical https://sainmedical.com/

In Episode 20 of This is Ag Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Samantha C. Taylor, the talented assistant winemaker for Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles. Samantha's remarkable journey into the world of winemaking began with a strong desire to pursue her passion for wine. Little did she know that this decision would lead her down a rewarding and inspiring path. Samantha's story serves as a powerful reminder of the opportunities that arise when one follows their heart and embraces their true calling.

Over thirteen harvests, she has become an integral part of the winemaking team, working alongside winemaker Austin Hope. Samantha's enthusiasm and dedication shine through as she oversees the daily operations of winemaking, ensuring the production of award-winning wines that set the standard for Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Working for Hope Family Wines, she has learned the importance of teamwork, creativity, and being humble in the face of nature's uncertainties. This particular winery has allowed Samantha to excel and grow as a winemaker. As a testament to her hard work and the winery's commitment to excellence, Hope Family Wines was named the American Winery of the Year.

Throughout the podcast, we delved into the intricacies of winemaking, from vineyard decisions to blending wines and considering consumer expectations. Samantha also shared her experiences as a participant in the WomenAg Leadership Academy, which offers an inspiring space for ambitious women to foster personal and professional growth while exploring and honing their leadership talents. During the episode, she highlights the camaraderie and personal growth the academy offers. 

Overall, this episode provided an insightful and inspiring look into the world of winemaking, the power of teamwork, and the potential for personal growth. Samantha Taylor's journey serves as a testament to the rewards of passion and hard work in the wine industry, and her story resonates with wine enthusiasts and aspiring winemakers alike. Listeners are sure to gain valuable insights into the creative and dynamic world of winemaking, leaving them eager to uncork new opportunities in their own pursuits.

Hope Family Wines website - https://hopefamilywines.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Samantha Taylor, Kirti Mutatkar, Paul Lecrone, Melanie Larsen

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN

Medical https://sainmedical.com/

In episode 19 of This is Ag Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Jeff Lundberg, the face of Babe Farms, a family-owned and operated company that has been working with UnitedAg for over 25 years. It is truly remarkable to see how Jeff has taken over the business from his mother, Judy, and maintained its amazing culture for over 40 years. Babe Farms is a leader in the gourmet produce industry, prioritizing superior quality, innovation, and genuine customer relationships. Tune in to hear stories from the worlds of Star Wars, Coca-Cola, and beyond!

During our conversation, we delved into various aspects of Babe Farms. It all began with their inspiration from the beautifully crafted produce found in Europe, which led them to grow into the outstanding company they are today. From vibrant carrots to golden beets and purple kohlrabi, Babe Farms produces eye-catching and stunning gourmet quality foods that go from farm to table. Their commitment to innovation has resulted in the success of their organic farm, conventional farm, and the specialty farm known as Babe Farms. (see https://www.babefarms.com/)

One thing that sets Babe Farms' apart is their focus on their employees. They truly prioritize their team members, fostering a strong sense of loyalty and commitment. Respect is at the core of their values, and every individual is treated with respect from day one. Babe Farms has cultivated a culture of appreciation and recognition, treating their employees as an extended family. They celebrate milestones together, provide benefits like 401k and health insurance, and organize events to express their gratitude.

Through my conversation with Jeff, I gained valuable insights into the workings of the farming industry. His passion for the business is evident, especially when he talks about the rewarding experience of witnessing the entire process from seed to harvest. Jeff embodies the values of a true farmer, being a steward of the land and a community-oriented business owner. I commended Babe Farms for their remarkable accomplishments, growth, and commitment to their employees and customers. It was an absolute pleasure to have Jeff on the podcast and learn more about the extraordinary journey of Babe Farms.

Babe Farms website - https://www.babefarms.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Jeff Lundberg, Kirti Mutatkar, Paul Lecrone, Melanie Larsen

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN

Medical https://sainmedical.com/

In this captivating podcast episode, I had the privilege of interviewing David, a seasoned broker with over 38 years of experience in the Insurance Industry. Together with his wife and business partner, Mary, they established Nikssarian Insurance Services, Inc. in 2003, showcasing an unwavering dedication to excellence. During our conversation, David shared his personal story, growing up in Fresno, CA, and working in agriculture. He touched on the importance of work ethic, passion, and embracing a fulfilling lifestyle. 

What stood out to me the most was David's genuine commitment to making a difference in people's lives. For him, it's not simply about the work; it's an integral part of his life. David and his team go above and beyond to work closely with their clients, particularly in healthcare claims, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience. Their focus on building and nurturing relationships truly leaves a lasting impact. Throughout our discussion, David emphasized the significance of growth and adaptability in an ever-changing industry. He stressed the importance of humility, doing right by people, and consistently striving to be better than they were before. We delved into the challenges of engaging employees and collaborating with different providers, highlighting the critical role of respect and engagement in fostering successful partnerships. We explored innovative programs and services, including underutilized opportunities and personalized healthcare initiatives. Overall, our conversation shed light on the profound influence that relationships, service, and a genuine desire to positively impact lives can have on the insurance industry. David's dedication to making healthcare more accessible and affordable serves as an inspiration to us all.

Nikssarian Insurance Services, Inc. website - https://www.nikins.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - David Nikssarian, Kirti Mutatkar, Paul Lecrone 

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/Blue

Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/Elite 

Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/Gallagher 

https://www.ajg.com/SAIN 

Medical https://sainmedical.com/

My guest Frank Chavez, CEO of Agrofruits and AgroCoCo is no stranger to the agriculture industry. As a child, Frank spent summers on his family farm in Mexico, and his time there instilled him with a strong work ethic. By 2023, Frank has not only founded two of his own businesses, AgroCoco and AgroFruits, but also partners with PATROMEX, Nutra Fruits Int., and Coconutworld Exports. He has valued expertise within the agriculture industry and his innovative use of coconuts has transformed the market; however, the longevity of Frank’s career is built from this personal business practice -- treat people with respect. Frank’s commitment to producing the finest coconut products trickles down to his investment in his customers. The familial manner of Frank Sanchez’ solidifies the relationship between grower and customer. His story and success have touched the lives of many and demonstrates the power of investing in community. Please enjoy my conversation with Frank. 

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Frank Chavez, Paul LeCrone, Rhianna Macias, and Kirti Mutatkar 

The episode is also sponsored by 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/

My guest Rodney Braga is the President and CEO of Braga Fresh Family Farms. For three generations, the Braga Farms has been at the forefront of the fresh produce industry, growing, packing, and shipping the highest quality fresh vegetables all over the world. Rodney's visionary leadership, which is centered on people and their well-being, the health of the soil, building strong and sustainable communities, and empowering women, is a source of inspiration. Through his commitment to these values, he has not only transformed his own operations but has also set an example for others in the industry to follow.  

Braga Family Farms website - www.bragafresh.com

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Rodney Braga, Paul LeCrone, and Kirti Mutatkar 

The episode is also sponsored by 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/

UnitedAg operates unlike any other healthplans or health insurance carriers.  Our members are at the core of UnitedAg, and their needs shape the organization. As a result, leadership at UnitedAg looks different – in fact, it derives from one of our core values: giving from the heart. Chago Martin, the owner and operator of Paragon Personnel and Trilogy Personnel and Land Management, embodies this. His focus is on showing up, and this authenticity requires a level of effort that other businesses do not offer. Chago believes that culminating genuine relationships is substantial when leading. He understands that his employees are more than the work they produce, and so, when he began leading his family’s business, he based the framework on a humanistic approach that requires patience and grace. While this may go against standard business practice, this investment creates a long-term effect. As a leader, the value Chago places in his relationships sustains his family business, and as a result, the business benefits from long-term financial success without sacrificing his belief that leading is “from [the] heart and in consideration of people putting people first.” At the forefront, leadership requires empathy – to treat others how we would like to be treated. Chago Martin truly internalizes this golden rule, and the success of Paragon Personnel and Trilogy Personnel and Land Management is the result of valuing relationships that foster growth, encouraging self-awareness, and creating a space for compassion within the business industry.  

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Chago Martin, Paul LeCrone, Rhianna  Macias, and Kirti Mutatkar 

The episode is also sponsored by 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/

My guest Richard Plato is the Director of Human Resources at Christopher Ranch.  

In this episode Richard talks about the impact of a mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in July 2019 and how the company, Christopher Ranch and UnitedAg were both proactive in providing mental health support for the employees. He also shares his views on the importance of human connection in the workplace and the role of Human Resources. He recounts a recent situation where an employee was struggling and instead of just disciplining her, he took the time to understand her circumstances and help her resolve her issues. He emphasizes the importance of seeing employees as more than just numbers, but as people with stories and experiences. 

Richard Plato's Bio - Born and raised in Gilroy, CA. The “Garlic Capital of the World”, Richard is proud and humbled to serve the agriculture community in which he grew up in. He joined the Christopher Ranch family in 2007 and now has over 24 years of HR experience. Richard is responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function and establishing a vision of inclusion and diversity. He holds a MS in Psychology from SJSU and a BS in Theology and BA in Philosophy from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI.

Christopher Ranch  - Founded in 1956 by company patriarch, Don Christopher, Christopher Ranch has been the nation’s leading garlic producer for generations. With nearly 6,000 acres of California heirloom garlic, grown statewide, you can be sure to find our products in all 50 states. Located in the garlic capital of the world- Gilroy, CA.

https://christopherranch.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

The episode is also sponsored by 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/

My guest Dr. Rosemary Ku is the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedAg.

Rosemary is a practicing physician with dual-board certification in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine. She majored in Molecular Biology with a Certificate in Neuroscience at Princeton University and went on to obtain her MD/MBA from Columbia University and Masters in Public Health in Health Policy and Management from UC Berkeley. Rosemary joined the UnitedAg team as Chief Medical Officer in 2019.

My conversation with Dr. Ku brings out the ethos of UnitedAg. Dr. Ku reminds us that the story of human connectedness is not just a one to one relationship with a member but a relationship with the entire community.  We also talk about the impact  of long term thinking on the overall healthcare cost, and much more. Please enjoy our conversation. 

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

The episode is also sponsored by 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/

My guest is Alex Van Wingerden is the owner and CEO of Westland Floral, Gallup & Stribling Orchids and Alexander Ranch.  

Westland Floral traces its roots to the 17th century and the Cornelis Van Wingerden family of the Westland region of the Netherlands. For fifteen generations, the knowledge and passion for cultivating flowers, fruits, and vegetables under glasshouses have passed from one generation to the next.

The story of Westland Floral evolves into the 21st century with the journey of four Van Wingerden brothers to America in 1967. Lured by the promise of prosperity and the American dream, the “Dutch Brothers” came in search of farmland where they could cultivate a better life. The brothers brought with them their families, the spirit of entrepreneurship, horticultural knowledge, and a passion for farming.

Westland Floral  website - http://westlandfloral.com/, https://gallup-stribling.com/westlandfloral/ and https://alexanderranchinc.com/contact/sister-companies/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

The episode is also sponsored by 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/

My guest Brent Eastman is the owner and CEO of BEI, Brent Eastman Insurance Services, the largest employee benefit brokerage firms in the Central Coast area. BEI currently manages over $26 million in annual employee benefit program expenditures.  

My conversation with Brent highlights the power of human relationships in sales and growth. We talk about building communities, increasing access to the best possible care and bringing back empathy in healthcare.  Also learn what the Latin word,  labor omnia vincit" means  and why is it  relevant . 

Brent Eastman Insurance Services website - https://brenteastman.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

My guest Ellen Brokaw is the President and Owner of Brokaw Nursery, one of the largest subtropical tree suppler located in Ventura County, California. Sixty years ago, Hank and Ellen Brokaw began the nursery as an avocation. With hard work and innovation, they built Brokaw Nursery into one of California’s largest suppliers of subtropical orchard trees. Brokaw currently produces over 300,000 plants per year and exports to several countries worldwide. They are an industry leader in innovation of new varieties of fruits and rootstocks. They specialize in avocados and citrus. 

Brokaw Nursery website - http://www.brokawnursery.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

My guest is Shannon Valladarez, General Manager at Monterey Wine Company.

Shannon and I talk about the importance of emotional connections, the power of relationships, our responsibility to the next generation of women leaders, setting an example for the next generation of girls coming behind us, Girls Inc, giving back to the community and much more.

Monterey Wine Company is a custom wine production facility located in King City on the Central Coast of California. They offer the latest in premium wine-making technologies, quality custom crush and processing equipment, experienced blend development, and efficient bottling capabilities to complement their client’s needs. They provide a sound working environment for the wine traditionalist, inventor and entrepreneur. Their emphasis is on innovation, integrity and service is what sets them apart from the rest.

Website - https://www.montereywinecompany.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/monterey-wine-company/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

My guest Thomas Amaro is a 4th generation family based agribusiness professional. Tom and his son Marcos Amaro cultivate and grow top quality hemp CBD in Visalia California. The family’s goal is to provide consumers with the finest quality CBD products. Tom and I talk about the history of California agriculture and the present state of affairs in agriculture. Please enjoy the episode. 

Here are the links referred to in the episode - 

https://www.amarocbd.com/

https://youtu.be/lXJSq0-tGDU

https://youtu.be/Pl_nHkmrAxs

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org