Avocado Farm Lessons from an Engineer: Donald A. Smith

Growing up in Pauma Valley, California, my family lived below an avocado farm owned by Donald Smith, a retired engineer from the City of San Diego, as I recall. My Dad would sometimes do some work for him, and I would help him out. The orchard was a beautiful place, and being there made me feel like I was one with nature. But more than the peaceful landscape, what made the experience truly remarkable was the wisdom I got from Mr. Smith. His words of wisdom stayed with me over the years and shaped how I viewed life.

Mr. Smith had a unique view of life, and he often shared his thoughts with us. One of the quotes that stood out to me was when he said, “You have the desire to work, huh?” These words were spoken during one of the many times I helped my Dad in the orchard. The perceived enthusiasm I had for hard farm work was something he appreciated, and he would often praise me for it. This quote was a subtle reminder that having the desire to work was essential to achieving success in your endeavors.

One of the most impactful things Mr. Smith told me was that education was more valuable than money, cars, and even your home. He said, “They can take all your material possessions like your money, house, and car, but they can never take away your education. With it, you can always recalibrate and start again.” These words have stayed with me throughout my life, and they have been a constant reminder that education is one of the most valuable assets a person can have.

“They can take all your material possessions like your money, house, and car, but they can never take away your education. With it, you can always recalibrate and start again.“

Donald A. Smith

Mr. Smith was an incredibly generous man, and he always appreciated hard work and dedication. One time, after seeing me help my Dad all day in the orchard, he gave me a Hershey bar and a crisp new $50 bill as a token of his appreciation. This gesture showed me how much he valued the contribution that hard work made, and it made me feel proud of my efforts, no matter how much I disliked farming work.

Donald Smith may have passed away a long time ago, but his words of wisdom still ring true to this day. As a young boy, I may not have fully appreciated his words, but now as an adult, they have become a source of guidance in how I live my life. The understanding that my education is an asset that no one can take away from me has helped me through some tough times in my life. I’m grateful for Mr. Smith’s influence, and even after all these years, I can still hear his thunderous laughter echoing through the avocado and citrus orchards of Pauma Valley.

Leadership lessons:

1. Recognize the value of enthusiasm and work ethic: Mr. Smith’s appreciation for the enthusiasm for hard farm work serves as a reminder that having the desire to work is essential for achieving success. Leaders should value and encourage enthusiasm in their team members, recognizing it as a driving force for achieving goals.
2. Prioritize education as a valuable asset: Mr. Smith’s belief that education is more valuable than material possessions highlights the long-lasting benefits of continuous learning. Leaders should encourage a culture of learning within their organizations and emphasize the importance of personal and professional development.
3. Appreciate and reward dedication: Mr. Smith’s gesture of giving a Hershey bar and $50 bill as a token of appreciation demonstrates the importance of recognizing and rewarding hard work. Leaders should acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of their team members, fostering a positive and motivating work environment.
4. Share wisdom and experiences: Mr. Smith’s words of wisdom stayed with Robert Larios over the years and shaped their view of life. This highlights the power of sharing knowledge and experiences as a leader. Leaders should take the time to mentor and guide their team members, passing on their wisdom and helping them grow both personally and professionally.
5. Value the connection with nature: The peaceful landscape of the avocado orchard made Larios feel connected with nature. This serves as a reminder for leaders to appreciate the natural world and incorporate elements of nature into the work environment, fostering a sense of calmness and well-being among team members.