Turnip that Beet! A Story that’s good to the Core.
www.goldengateorganics.com | @golden_gate_organics Insta
Why is Golden Gate Organics so A--PEELING? Our mission is to make organic fruits and veggies from local farms something everyone can enjoy and benefit from. To do that, each week we work with the most local farms possible to source produce that is in-season, breaking, delicious, fresh, and always with no exceptions: 100% USDA certified organic. You'll get a menu each week customized to your tastes and preferences. Don't like garlic or celery? We'll find something else on our menu to put in it's place. You'll never have to throw produce out because it's something you don't like. We make it easy to add extra stuff to your box, and even make a few last minute changes to your menu! The rest is easy, just sit back and relax, and on your delivery day, we'll be whistling while we work and deliver your personal box of produce right to you, wherever you need it. Maybe your treehouse, maybe your office, maybe just to the side door where it's nice and shady.
I had the time to catch Corey in between his parenting, husbanding and running his amazing operation…
COVIDfit: Let’s cut right to it, Corey! I heard through the Grapevine that you are still open to Bay Area customers for delivery organic produce boxes.
Corey: Yes, indeed we are! Not sure for how long, s a company committed to the exceptional level of service and quality we need to provide to all of our customers, we are looking at how many more customers we can accept. But, if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area then you can confirm your zip code on the “checkout page” of www.goldengateorganics.com.
How it works: Customers customize their very own produce box and request the order frequency they want. You set your own delivery schedule. Only get a delivery when you want or cancel anytime. Delivery is always free and there are no hidden fees.
COVIDfit: I’ve always wanted to know, how and why did you start Golden Gate Organics? DID YOU JUST SQUEEZE THE DAY?
Corey: I started GGO back in 2010 with a good friend of mine who has since moved on with his ventures. I was enlightened by what I learned about the chemicals used in our foods and how fake food was. Think about everyone drinking soda, eating fast food, and boxed dinners. I grew up on that stuff and unfortunately didn’t know any better. After watching documentaries like Food Inc. it really opened my eyes. I wasn’t happy with the old style CSA model, so we decided to add more value to that model by allowing customers to customize their orders, skip deliveries, and cancel their account anytime they wanted. It seems to have worked as we have built a solid reputation in the past 10 years. Some customers have even been with me the whole time which is very special to me.
WE’D APPEACHIATE if you could tell us how you recommend cleaning produce at home.
I usually recommend always placing your produce right into your refrigerator. However with COVID we’ve been recommending to wash your produce as soon as you get it, dry it thoroughly, then put it into your refrigerator. Then wash your hands. Plus it's just good practice to rinse your produce before you eat it because it comes from the soil and is gently handled even by your own hands.
COVIDfit: I love your background! 12 years in the Coast Guard...What was your favorite memory? AND WE ARE ALL SO GRAPEFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Corey: My favorite memory was when I was charged with traveling to the Arctic Circle and arranging shipment of a Tachyon satellite system to test connectivity at such extreme latitudes. It was July and in the low 50’s. Sunlight 24 hours a day. It was amazing being on the edge of the world like that. Really helped put things into perspective.
“As long as there is internet and electricity I am good to go.
From strategizing and optimizing delivery routes, customer service, and many other advanced business processes I can get it all done easily.
I use my iPad Pro to keep notes on everything. I have Amethyst and Citrine for good luck. And Little pine cones that my 2yr old son Lucas brought me. My workspace is full of love, care, and positive energy. “
COVIDfit: How are you managing running a business that is in such high demand during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Corey: It is tough. I’ve been working 14 hour days with only taking one day off a week for the past 4 weeks now. My family is in the other room but I might as well be 3,000 miles away. I love seeing them play outside my window. But I feel guilty not spending more time with them when there are so many hungry, high risk, people who need healthy organic produce delivered to their homes. It’s challenging doing both and exceptional times call for exceptional actions. I am answering the call of managing such a highly important business and being a father as best as possible.
FROM ALL OF US AT COVIDFIT……..