Growing Together Winter 2026

Our People, Our Impact

Giving back beyond work

SERVICE AS PART OF THE GROW WEST IDENTITY

At Grow West, serving agriculture is only part of our story. The company’s true strength lies in our people, and many of those people spend their free time giving back to the communities they call home. From coaching youth sports and mentoring young leaders to volunteering as first responders and community advocates, Grow West employees are making a difference long after the workday ends. Their efforts reflect a shared belief that strong communities and strong agriculture go hand in hand.

COACHING CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNITY

For Woodland-based accounting team member Moni Ramirez, giving back means spending evenings and weekends as a volunteer cheerleading coach. Ramirez first got involved to support her daughter’s cheer journey, but the role quickly became much more. Over the past five years, she has coached athletes from ages 8 to 14, focusing on discipline, teamwork and self-confidence.

“I want to teach them pride, growth and work ethic,” Ramirez said. “It’s not just about cheer – it’s about showing up, supporting each other and learning to push yourself.”

To her, coaching goes far beyond routines and competitions.

“You never know what a child is dealing with behind closed doors,” she explained. “Being able to lift them up and empower them means the world to me.”

Ramirez said she also takes pride representing Grow West in her community.

“When I tell people I work for Grow West, it’s always a positive reaction,” she said. “It feels good knowing the company is growing the community right alongside me.”

MENTORING THE GAME AND THE NEXT GENERATION

At Grow West Trucking, dispatcher Shawn Miller gives back as a longtime Little League umpire. Miller began umpiring in 2008 after his children started playing baseball. Today, he serves as umpire-in-chief for West Sacramento Little League, recruiting, training and mentoring new umpires. He has also had the honor of being selected to umpire the prestigious Little League Western Regional Tournament.

“To be selected is a huge honor,” Miller said. “There are hundreds of people who apply. It’s something umpires work years to achieve.”

But for Miller, the real reward isn’t the spotlight, it’s the impact on kids.

“Little League isn’t just about baseball,” he said. “It’s about teaching life lessons – respect, leadership, teamwork and learning to win and lose gracefully.”

He also credits Grow West for supporting his volunteer commitment.

“My tournaments are during harvest, but management has always made it possible for me to go,” Miller shared. “That support means a lot.”

ANSWERING THE CALL

For PCA Todd Miller and Engineering Manager Jason Bonino, community service takes a more urgent form in volunteering as firefighters with the Sacramento River Fire Protection District. Miller has served since 1996 and is now a station captain, while Bonino joined in 2020 after moving to the area. Together they respond to medical emergencies, accidents, rescues and structure fires across a large rural coverage area.

“If I don’t do it, who else will?” Miller said. “In a small rural community, you have to step up.”

Bonino agrees, noting that volunteer firefighters are often the only immediate help available.

“We’re meeting someone on their worst day,” Bonino said. “It’s intimate and important work.”

Both said the experience has shaped them personally and professionally.

“You have to make quick decisions in the field as a firefighter,” Miller explained. “That carries over to my job as a PCA. You don’t wait and hope a problem goes away, you act.”

They also appreciate Grow West’s support.

“I’ve always felt encouraged to serve,” Miller shared. “Grow West understands the value of giving back.”

COACHING CHARACTER ON AND OFF THE FIELD

At the Walnut Grove retail location, PCA Brett Schmitz spends his off hours coaching high school baseball, a role he has held for more than a decade. Schmitz began coaching while attending Fresno State and has stayed involved ever since. What started as a simple desire to stay connected to the game he loved has grown into a passion for mentoring young athletes.

“Beyond wins and losses, I want players to learn accountability, respect and trust,” Schmitz said. “Those are principles they’ll carry with them long after baseball.”

Over the years, he has coached players at multiple levels, from Little League to travel ball to high school. While the age groups have changed, his approach has stayed the same.

“It’s about helping them get better as players and as people,” he explained.

Schmitz believes sports play an important role in building strong communities.

“They bring people together for a common cause,” he said.

He also sees parallels between coaching and his role at Grow West.

“Both are relationship-based,” Schmitz added. “You build trust, communicate and help people succeed. Grow West’s culture aligns perfectly with that.”

ADVOCATING FOR AGRICULTURE’S FUTURE

For North Valley PCA Alexis Harvey, giving back means stepping into leadership roles that support the entire agricultural community. Harvey serves on the Solano County Farm Bureau board of directors and the Dixon Resource Conservation District board and recently completed the California Farm Bureau Leadership Program Class of 2025.

Her path into ag leadership began naturally. Growing up in 4-H and FFA, earning a degree in plant science from Chico State, and helping grow her family’s commercial beekeeping business, Harvey has always been deeply rooted in agriculture.

“I was approached to serve because I represent multiple sides of the industry – crop protection and beekeeping,” she said. “These roles give me the opportunity to advocate for both.”

Through Leadership Farm Bureau, Harvey gained firsthand experience in state and national agricultural policy.

“The biggest thing I learned is that small voices can make a difference,” she explained. “If we don’t tell our story, someone else will tell it for us.”

Her involvement helps her better serve growers on a daily basis.

“These boards keep me connected to the issues that affect my customers – water, regulations, urban development,” Harvey said. “It all ties back to helping agriculture remain sustainable for generations.”

To her, community service is personal. “It means being there for my neighbors and friends,” she added. “These aren’t just customers, they’re relationships.”

Her message to others considering getting involved is simple: “Don’t wait for the perfect time. There is never a perfect time, but the experience is worth it.”

Alexis Harvey participated in Leadership Farm Bureau.

WHY IT MATTERS: THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT. GROWING COMMUNITY, GROWING TOGETHER

Whether it’s mentoring youth, protecting neighbors, officiating games or advocating for agriculture, Grow West employees share a common mindset: community matters. Every volunteer hour strengthens local schools, youth programs, public safety and the future of agriculture. These contributions create a ripple effect that benefits families, towns and the industry Grow West serves.

Growing together applies to more than crops. It’s about building stronger towns, schools and families. Every practice coached, every meeting attended and every emergency answered helps Grow West do more than serve agriculture; it helps grow the communities that make agriculture possible. And that, in the end, is what truly defines Grow West.