Albert Dalporto Farming Manager & Field Representative

From the age of eight, when Albert began irrigating the fields of his family’s farming operation, he has found farming to be more than merely an occupation – it is his passion.

“I’ve never wanted to do anything else except be involved in agriculture,” he says.

After graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Albert enjoyed a 15-year career in farm management before coming to Rivermaid Trading Company, attracted by the high ethical standards of its leadership and the high standards expected of its people.

Today, Albert is responsible for communicating with cherry growers throughout the year, advising them on maintaining the highest quality possible.

“We want to make sure the consumer gets the quality they expect when they purchase Rivermaid products,” he says. “That’s vitally important to all of us.”

When he’s not in the orchards, Albert can be found traveling, working out and participating in sports, and has enjoyed coaching high school basketball.

Chris Frieders Joe Green Ranch

“Choose a career you love, and you’ll never ‘work’ a day in your life.” For Chris Frieders, that’s more than just a saying – it’s the truth. “For me, farming isn’t work,” he says. “It’s my life. It’s my family’s life. It’s what I love.”

A fifth-generation grower, Chris still lives on the Sacramento Valley pear orchard first planted in 1860 by his great-grandfather. He grows pears exclusively, including such varieties as Bartlett, Golden Bosc and Organic Golden Bosc. He believes growers should embrace organic farming practices whenever it is viable, and credits organic practices for helping improve his conventional farming and his stewardship of the land.

Why does Chris enjoy working with Rivermaid Trading Company? “Rivermaid is a family run company, and family farming companies are driven by a passion that sets them apart from other businesses,” he says. “With Rivermaid, there’s an honesty and passion for the products they put their name on. These are values that I believe in.”

With a degree in agriculture and over 40 years of field experience, Chris has become an innovator in pear production, planting varieties that will one day reduce his dependence on hand labor. He also believes growers have a responsibility beyond merely providing food.

“I’m concerned that consumers have lost their connection with the land and their food sources, and it’s becoming the growers’ responsibility to educate them,” he says. “Consumers need to know that their demands for food quality and safety are best being met right here at home.”

Chris is a Pear Growers board member and past chairman of the California Pear Advisory Board. In his spare time, he enjoys horseback riding, metal sculpture and sailing.

Alex Dentoni Field Representative

Alex was born in Morada, California. Inspired by his grandfathers farming operations, he acquired his bachelors degree in communications from Sac State. Alex joined Rivermaid’s field staff in 2020 and is one of our field representatives for cherries. Alex is responsible for grower relations and farm duties such as monitoring application of chemicals and tree maintenance, just to name a few.

“I have grown up in the agriculture industry and enjoy the farming camaraderie.”

Alex enjoys living an active outdoor lifestyle which includes hobbies such as surfing and snowboarding. Alex is also a passionate baseball player.

Fidel Suarez Field Supervisor

Fidel began his career at Rivermaid back in 2011 as one of our field supervisors for cherries, assisting Albert, Jerry and Bob with day to day tasks in the orchard. Fidel’s responsible for overseeing the harvest crews in the various orchards here in the northern district of Lodi/ Linden.

His dedication to his work and the support he provides to our cherry field staff allows for an effortless process of getting product from the field to our production plant in a timely and flowing manner.

“What I like about working for Rivermaid is the friendly atmosphere between the workers and field staff. Everyone gets along well and works together; I feel comfortable when going to work.”

Fidel enjoys spending time with his friends and family on his days off. He particularly loves being able to participate in the academic and extracurricular activities of his children.

Jerrett McGary Field Representative

Jared recently joined Rivermaid’s staff as a field representative, working with our different growers on farming practices and maintaining grower relationships.

“The thing I enjoy about working at Rivermaid is the people I’m surrounded by and the friendly atmosphere.”

In his spare time, Jared is often spending time with his friends and family.

Patrick Fitzgerald Field Quality Manager

Patrick has been a member of Rivermaid’s field staff for four years now and plays a key role in maintaining our goal: providing the best possible eating experience for our customers. Patrick helps ensure that our fields are maintained and are meeting our quality standards.

“I think it’s the great respect that everyone has for each other that makes Rivermaid an enjoyable place to work at.”

Patrick’s personal interests include fishing and family time.

Rick Arata Field Representative

Rick started working for Rivermaid in 2018 as a seasonal field representative for cherries. Reporting field estimates, maintaining grower relationships and field transportation are just a few of the responsibilities that Rick handles during cherry season.

Rick enjoys the opportunity to be involved and work hands on in the field which he feels translates to a higher quality product. He cherishes his family and friends and the time he spends with them.

Troy Coldani Field Representative

Troy joined the Rivermaid team two years ago as a field representative for our cherry program, primarily dealing with orchards in the Sacramento Delta region. Troy provides support to our growers with his knowledge on different application processes for the orchard during certain times of the year. He also gives growers suggestions to improve farming practices and manages the harvest crews.

“In order to succeed as a company, you need to be able to work together as a team and that’s what we have here at Rivermaid.”

Troy enjoys hunting, fishing and quality time with his loved ones.

Jaime Camargo Field Representative

Having been in agriculture since 1972, Jaime is no stranger to the high demands of field work and management. He joined the Rivermaid team 8 years ago as a field advisor and has been a key player in our California cherry program.

Jaime spends his days in the field monitoring and supervising the farming for many of our cherry growers. He often provides recommendations to growers on ways to improve their farming practices.

“We have a great team at Rivermaid that is targeting success. Everyone here is equal and emphasizes teamwork; it’s enjoyable to work here.”

Jaime’s philosophy on life is to be ambitious when it comes to making friends and love your family.

“God bless my family, my company and my country.”

When he’s not busy with farming, Jaime enjoys coaching for soccer teams at junior high and high school level. He also has umpired for little league baseball for the past forty years.

Bob Schmitt Field Representative

Bob has been working for Rivermaid for 8 years as a field representative and farm manager, ensuring that farming operations for cherries run as smoothly as possible. Bob also oversees the necessary processes and paperwork at the farm level needed for exporting cherries, providing assurance of a smooth transaction to our international customers.

“What I enjoy about Rivermaid are my co-workers. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with such great people here.”

Bob’s hobbies include spending quality time with his family, hunting, fishing and golfing.

Jerry Colombini Field Representative

Jerry graduated from Cal Poly in 1978 with a degree in Ag. Business Management and has been a member of the Rivermaid family for 28 years. As a field representative for both cherries and pears, Jerry’s responsibilities include: procuring new growers and maintaining grower information as well as overseeing crop harvest.

“I really like the family atmosphere and comradery with all the employees at Rivermaid, from the field to the packing shed.”

Jerry has his own cherries and almonds that he farms with his son-in-law. When he’s not busy out in the field, Jerry enjoys golfing, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He has been happily married 38 years to his wife Vicki and has three children and two grandchildren.

Paul Wilson Field Representative

Paul always knew he wanted to be in agriculture. His great-grandparents were farmers, his grandparents were farmers and his parents are farmers. During and after college, Paul worked for Dan Winiecke at Sabroso(now Tree Top) as a fieldman. There, Paul learned how to buy stone fruit, apples, pears, cherries, cling peaches and berries from growers in Washington, Oregon, California and Canada for processing.

“Working for Dan at Sabroso taught me a lot about the breadth and depth of the world of agriculture. It gave me a wider perspective for what we do as farmers and agriculturalists. ”

Today, Paul manages grower relations for Rivermaid’s Pear Growers and oversees Rivermaid’s Cherry and Pear by-product sales. In addition to his responsibilities at Rivermaid, Paul serves on the Board of Directors of the California Fresh Fruit Association and Reclamation District 556.

“My favorite part about working at Rivermaid is feeling like I am a part of a great team. I am excited to build a foundation for the generations to come. ”

In his free time, Paul enjoys grappling, reading, travel (he’s been to 65 countries), spending time with his wife, Lorraine and raising their Yorkies, Winston and Remi.

Anthony Buckholz Farm Manager

Anthony Buckholz is a generational farmer, born and raised in the cherry capital of California—Linden. He grew up on his family’s farm, where he learned how to grow cherries and walnuts. After graduating high school, he went straight into the field to chase his passion for farming.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys golfing with friends and family.

Tony Yasuda Field Representative

Tony Yasuda’s passion for growing excellent fruit is second only to his sense of style.  His appreciation and attention to the details in his orchard and life have led a third generation raisin grape grower into a cherry growing powerhouse in California’s central valley.  Always looking to grow and tackle new challenges, Tony’s grandfather and father diversified away from raisin grapes into more challenging crops such as peaches, plums, and other tree fruits.  Tony brought his wealth of knowledge to the Rivermaid Team in late 2021 as a field representative & fruit grower in the southern districts.  When he’s not in the orchard, Tony enjoys traveling, especially to the various wine growing regions for a tasting.

Luke Workman Field Representative

Luke Workman currently owns and operates his own 150-acre cherry orchard in one of the earliest cherry producing regions of California.   A true forward thinking expert in his field, Luke is known for his ability to consistently produce high-quality cherries year after year while always being on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his farm’s productivity and sustainability. He is passionate about exploring the latest technologies and techniques in agriculture and is constantly striving to find new ways to stay ahead of the curve. 

Joining Rivermaid as a field representative in 2023, Luke brings his valuable experience, knowledge and quality cherries to the team. He and the growers he represents provide early season fruit, enabling Rivermaid to start and maintain season-long programs earlier. Despite the demands of running a successful farm, Luke always makes time for his family. He is a devoted husband and father of two, and he enjoys spending time with his loved ones and visiting family in Texas.