Professional Produce was established in 1994, but our roots in the produce business date back to the early 1900’s. The integral parts of our business are: growing, shipping, packing, repacking, wholesale distributing, and being a broker to market for quality fresh produce.
Our warehouse is located 2 miles from downtown Los Angeles, in Vernon, CA. Our facility is a 50,000 square foot state of the art, specifically designed warehouse and distribution center. We have 5 coolers with over 30,000 square feet of refrigeration, all set at various temperatures to ensure the best possible climates to store any type of produce. Additionally, our warehouse is equipped with 17 truck bays and a repack room. Our repack room includes cutting edge technology provided by Compac Sorting Equipment. This machine is able to sort and pack various types of fruits and vegetables all automatically. The machine is able to sort for quality, color, size, and pack by count or weight.
Between accounting, sales, logistics, packing, drivers, and warehouse employees, Professional Produce employs about 150 full-time workers. Here are some of our employees to help you get a bit more familiar with us:
Accounting
Myrna Mallari
Myrna has been working at Professional Produce since 1998. She has 25 years in accounting and is in charge of accounts payable.
Ben Tolentino
Ben has been with Professional Produce since 1994 and has worked with Ted Kaplan for 27 years. Ben is in charge of accounts receivable.
Enrique Morales
Enrique has been with Professional Produce since 2002. He is the systems administrator and helps with general office functions.
Sales
Debbie Ponce
Debbie has been working at Professional Produce since 2002. She has 16 years in the produce business and is a Sales Office Assistant, helping with various aspects of buying and selling daily.
Michael Gaskins
Michael has been working at Professional Produce since 1997. He has had over 25 years of produce experience upon his graduation from UCLA. He holds the title of Vice President of Sales and specializes in melons.
Harry Varteresian
Harry has been with Professional Produce since 1996. He has 30 years of experience in the produce business. His main responsibility is catered towards food services and buying fruits and vegetables.
Diana O’Connor
Diana has been with Professional Produce since 1994 and has worked with Ted Kaplan for over 28 years. Diana has managed, imported and exported a vast majority of commodities over the years including asparagus and most of the wet veg commodities.
Richard Jimenez
Rich has been working at Professional Produce since 2007. He has 27 years of produce experience and specializes in retail sales and buying various types of vegetables.
Ted Kaplan
Ted Kaplan started Professional Produce in 1994. Having been involved with produce his whole life; it was only natural for him to start his own produce company. He has lived all over the world growing various crops and has a vast knowledge of the products. He continues to lead by example and his hard work sets the bar high for all of the employees.
Warehouse
Rafa Barba
Rafa has been with Professional Produce since 1994 and worked with Ted Kaplan for over 28 years. Rafa is the floor supervisor and is responsible for receiving, shipping and dispatching Professional Produce drivers.
Drivers
Jesus Torres
Jesus has been with Professional Produce since 1994 and has worked with Ted Kaplan for over 26 years. Jesus is a delivery driver and is also a key warehouse worker helping with shipping, receiving and inventory.
Packers
Hermelinda Perez
Hermelinda has been with Professional Produce since 1994 and has worked with Ted Kaplan for over 24 years. Hermelinda is a very experienced packer.
Food Safety
Kevin Oliphant
Kevin has been with Professional Produce since 2010. His daily responsibilites include being in charge of food safety and dealing with various SQF certification tasks.
