Bonipak mourns passing of its CEO
Bonipak mourns passing of its CEO
To say that Joe Prandini died doing what he loved hits it pretty close to the truth. The 30-year veteran of Santa Maria, CA-based Bonipak Produce Co. died Oct. 21 of a heart attack while boarding a private plane destined for the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit in San Diego.
Mr. Prandini was 61 years old. He spent half of those of years moving up through the ranks of Bonipak, starting out with the company as a vacuum tube operator. At the time of his death, he was Bonipak's general manager and chief executive officer.
Mitch Ardantz, vice president of sales and marketing and a third-generation partner in Bonipak, said that Mr. Prandini played "a big part" in his life as a mentor. "He led by example," Mr. Ardantz said. "He was one of those few people who had a way with people."
Mr. Ardantz said that Mr. Prandini knew his own strengths as well as his weaknesses. He knew when he needed help, Mr. Ardantz said, and he thirsted for knowledge. "He knew a lot of people in different facets of the industry," Mr. Ardantz said.
Prior to joining Bonipak, Mr. Prandini managed a lettuce crew for another company. He is credited with creating a 401k plan for Bonipak's field workers, a rarity in the industry.
Mr. Prandini was involved in COLAB, a coalition of labor, agriculture and business of Santa Barbara County dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and business environments of that county.
"He never lost touch with the field and never lost touch with the workers," Mr. Ardantz said of Mr. Prandini. "He was instrumental in us going to a non-union shop." Mr. Ardantz added that employees had faith that Mr. Prandini was looking out for them.
"He was the calm in any and every storm," and employees came to count on his steady hand at tough times, Mr. Ardantz said.
Mr. Prandini also was instrumental in working with the Weyerhaeuser Co. on new packaging products by allowing Bonipak to be a testing ground of sorts. "Joe was always open to new things," Mr. Ardantz said.
Mr. Prandini's passions included food, wine and travel. Mr. Ardantz said that he and Mr. Prandini traveled together on business often. He said that the company is looking into putting together something that would carry on Mr. Prandini's legacy.
Mr. Prandini is survived by his wife, Maureen; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Mindy Prandini of Santa Maria; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Prandini and Clint Fowler of Fresno, CA; his brother and sister-in- law, Steve and Rosanne Prandini of Sebastopol, CA; four grandchildren, Cierra and Gage Fowler and Dylan and Gavin Prandini; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Craig Reade, a partner in Bonipak Produce Co., has been named the company's new chief executive officer and general manager.
Mr. Prandini was 61 years old. He spent half of those of years moving up through the ranks of Bonipak, starting out with the company as a vacuum tube operator. At the time of his death, he was Bonipak's general manager and chief executive officer.
Mitch Ardantz, vice president of sales and marketing and a third-generation partner in Bonipak, said that Mr. Prandini played "a big part" in his life as a mentor. "He led by example," Mr. Ardantz said. "He was one of those few people who had a way with people."
Mr. Ardantz said that Mr. Prandini knew his own strengths as well as his weaknesses. He knew when he needed help, Mr. Ardantz said, and he thirsted for knowledge. "He knew a lot of people in different facets of the industry," Mr. Ardantz said.
Prior to joining Bonipak, Mr. Prandini managed a lettuce crew for another company. He is credited with creating a 401k plan for Bonipak's field workers, a rarity in the industry.
Mr. Prandini was involved in COLAB, a coalition of labor, agriculture and business of Santa Barbara County dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and business environments of that county.
"He never lost touch with the field and never lost touch with the workers," Mr. Ardantz said of Mr. Prandini. "He was instrumental in us going to a non-union shop." Mr. Ardantz added that employees had faith that Mr. Prandini was looking out for them.
"He was the calm in any and every storm," and employees came to count on his steady hand at tough times, Mr. Ardantz said.
Mr. Prandini also was instrumental in working with the Weyerhaeuser Co. on new packaging products by allowing Bonipak to be a testing ground of sorts. "Joe was always open to new things," Mr. Ardantz said.
Mr. Prandini's passions included food, wine and travel. Mr. Ardantz said that he and Mr. Prandini traveled together on business often. He said that the company is looking into putting together something that would carry on Mr. Prandini's legacy.
Mr. Prandini is survived by his wife, Maureen; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Mindy Prandini of Santa Maria; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Prandini and Clint Fowler of Fresno, CA; his brother and sister-in- law, Steve and Rosanne Prandini of Sebastopol, CA; four grandchildren, Cierra and Gage Fowler and Dylan and Gavin Prandini; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Craig Reade, a partner in Bonipak Produce Co., has been named the company's new chief executive officer and general manager.
