JJ Ramirez grew up around San Bernardino County citrus and avocado farms. His parents worked in packing houses, and he bought his first used tractor at 15.

He would park it outside the high school, and head for work as soon as the last bell rang. Ramirez’s ag teacher was so impressed that they formed a partnership: the teacher bought the seed, Ramirez found available land, and planted and harvested the crop, and they split the profit. This was Ramirez’s first foray into farming for others, and he gained such a great reputation that retiring farmers would offer their land to him at great prices.

Ramirez purchased his first orchard at 27, and over the years, he cobbled together a patchwork of citrus and avocado orchards from California’s Central Valley to Redlands.

JJ and Amelia Ramirez had one child—the lone daughter—Laura, and when she was in 3rd grade, they told her that if she would harvest and pack the fruit herself, they would build a farm stand in front of their house, and Laura could sell fruit there, and keep whatever money she made. Laura took to the family business like a duck to water.

Both Laura’s parents passed away, and today, Laura and her husband Steve run the farm. Steve is the ranch foreman, and Laura sells their fruit at farmers’ markets. Their fruit is exceptionally delicious—always the best version of any variety—and fruit expert David Karp posits Laura irrigates with Evian. However, we think it’s JJ and Amelia looking out for her.