Dale Firman, managing partner of Coosemans LA Shipping, a fixture on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market since 1982, doesn’t have an exact formula for successfully retaining employees, but he and his partner, Alan Pollack, have certainly created a work environment where employees grow and thrive.

“Word gets out where the opportunities exist,” he commented. “Because of our reputation as innovators and as fair and creative business people, a lot of highly qualified individuals approach us for jobs.”

Yolanda Ochoa Once someone is hired, Firman said he likes to “challenge each employee to go out and face their fears — this makes them grow. There’s no reprimand for failing. That’s what builds confidence and in turn, the business. You learn from ordeals — I’m still learning, every day.”

Firman offered up examples of people who found their way to Coosemans LA + Shipping. “Tony Ramirez started with us in the warehouse over 20 years ago,” he shared. “At one point, he left to follow his dream and open an auto mechanic business back in Mexico and we wished him well. After two years, Tony decided he missed Coosemans LA Shipping, came back as warehouse manager and has now been in sales with us for 18 years. He’s a wonderful salesman and he still makes time to fix his friends’ cars!”

Yolanda Ochoa is another quality member of the professional environment at Coosemans LA + Shipping. She began her career with Coosemans Los Angeles in 1990 answering phones, working the 2-9:30 a.m. shift. In 1993, Ochoa moved to the shipping office in Vernon where she initially juggled many responsibilities.

“It was my responsibility to book airlines for shipments, fill out paperwork and oversee orders. In those days, everything was manual, there were no computers,” she said.

Around 1996, Yolanda began to see her work as more of a career than just a job to fit with her kids’ schedule. “About that time I became more interested in learning about the business and helping to make it successful,” she continued. “Today, I’m focused on sales and service of most of our key accounts. I also deal with national purchasing programs and work as a liaison for human resources.   I put a lot of effort into determining employees’ needs and keeping them happy. Some of the people I’ve hired have been here 15 years or more. Some started on the floor, pulling orders, and then got into sales. The owners — Alan, Bob and Dale — make this a good place to work. As a result, 90 percent of our employees have been here 10 years or more.”

When it comes to hiring new employees, Firman summed it up this way: “I like to surround myself with smart individuals and I think Coosemans LA Shipping has been successful in large part because of our people. Their tenure builds confidence and makes us stronger. I love to hear great ideas from anyone, whether it’s one of the guys in the warehouse or the receptionist. I learn from our employees all the time. To get the best work from our team, I let them spread their wings and go. It’s my job to stand back and be the coach and cheerleader.”