Featured Gourmet Mushrooms Employee: Jesus Martinez

Written by Glenn Walker - GMI Lead Grower/Mycologist

For the past 13 years it has been my privilege, honor and pleasure to work with Jesus Martinez, the heart and soul of Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. He began working here in 1985 when he was a fresh 17-year-old immigrant from Mexico, seeking a better life in the United States. Other than the owner, he is the GMI employee with the longest tenure at the company, having worked here for 35 years.

In the early days he lived in humble circumstances with other family members at a ranch. The idea was to come to the US and work in apple picking. However, his father was playing cards at a local bar in Graton when he heard that there would be open positions at a nearby mushroom farm. After he started working at Gourmet Mushrooms he was informed that only ranch workers were allowed to live at the ranch where he was staying, so he told GMI he had to quit because he would no longer have a place to live if he continued to work there. Thankfully, he was invited to move into a room on the GMI property that he shared with 2 of his brothers.

At that time GMI was the only US cultivator of shiitake mushrooms and the process was new and under development, so the environment seemed more like education than work. Due to his young age, he was not able to finish high school in Mexico but, recognizing the importance of education and credentials, he got his GED in the US while working at GMI and earned US citizenship. With this level of education, he has become a master mushroom cultivator, with solid math, computer and science skills, and fluent in both Spanish and English. Having worked his way from laborer to manager of the production, harvest and packing departments, he is a true American opportunity success story.

Due to his long tenure and vast knowledge, Jesus plays a critical role in maintaining functionality in multiple departments. He seems to have unlimited creative energy and is continuously coming up with insightful innovations in cultivation. He does all of this with the most humble, pleasant and friendly demeanor that earns him everyone’s sincere affection and respect. His favorite mushroom is Maitake Frondosa, also known as Hen of the Woods, which his wife sautés with spices to make a uniquely Mexican dish. He devotes his free time to his family and working around the house. We should all be so fortunate to meet and work with an individual such as Jesus Martinez once in our lives.