The Dirt - October 2012

Dos Gringos

The Dirt - October 2012

Jason Levin

The news from Vista this month is big and exciting, but the action is more than 2500 miles away.

Lights are on, state-of-the-art refrigeration and production equipment is up and running, and members of our team are settling in at DG East in Miami! That’s right. The California look and feel that’s been so well-received around the United States is easier for our east coast clients to access and maintain as we throw open a full-service satellite operation in Doral. The “To Do” list is significant, but we are in our element. Who better than DG to break this ground and put this value-added center smack dab in a transportation hub that makes perfect sense for clients?

I am in Miami this week with Marco Rivera and other members of the Sales Team as we meet with customers and spread the word. And I am thrilled to introduce you to Phil Buran, hand-picked very carefully by yours truly to lead and oversee our day-to-day operations in Miami. A 38-year veteran of the industry, Phil began his career with bouquet maker TR Tropical in Carlsbad, CA. He was front and center when Columbian flowers arrived on the scene in the early 1980s, and he was one of the first to imagine and experiment with the South America/California concoction. Falcon Farms, Brothers Brothers and Monterey Bay Bouquet (his own company) also benefited from Phil’s experience and expertise. 

Carving a niche

With Phil’s background and DG West as a 24 year tested and proven model, we will not waste time reinventing the wheel. We’ve spent years carving our unique niche in the marketplace, growing and sourcing California flowers for the increasing number of people who love that look. DG East is a logical, strategic step in the next direction. South American product already arrives here regularly, and we have agreements with several strategic partners who can fill our coolers within the next week to 10 days. Phil is working with Gabe Gill, our DG West Plant Manager to replicate production best practices, and the IT infrastructure will be consistent across both facilities.
Phil Buran
Live from Miami

Adding some sizzle

More importantly, Phil is a huge advocate of the DG culture and the value we’ve always placed on relationships. The way he sees it, DG East adds the sizzle so many of our clients in this region have clamored for. “Many of Dos Gringos’ big east coast grocery clients run a lot of transportation out of Miami. They’ve got established truck routes with stops to pick up any number of products. With a simple adjustment in logistics, they can get their DG flowers faster and more efficiently than ever before. We’re meeting them right where they are. They’re already picking up meat and potatoes. We’re adding the spice and putting it right within reach.”
Much more to come as DG East blooms and grows. I want to thank the entire team for all the hard work and commitment to getting it up and running. I can’t wait to see what’s next. Thank you, too, to all of our customers for your business, your friendship, and the push to open up this facility. We listened!


 
Hasta Luego from Jason Levin



Beto Lopez

A Special Congratulations to Beto and 15 years with the DG Family!

When Beto isn’t driving the DG trucks loaded with flowers, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, playing soccer and going to the movies.  His favorite holiday is Christmas and his favorite food is pizza.







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