Hall of Fame 2007

Bill Moncovich

Class of 1964

Bill Moncovich was born and raised in Watsonville, attending MacQuiddy Elementary School, E. A. Hall Junior High School, Watsonville High School (Class of 1964), Cabrillo College and California State University, Chico, receiving a BS degree in Business Administration in 1969.

While attending WHS, Bill played baseball and football and was selected a football All-MBL tackle. Bill also played football and baseball while attending Cabrillo College.

While enrolled at Watsonville High School and throughout college he always had summer jobs working in the produce industry, either in the fields, in the coolers or loading facilities. Over the years he loaded lettuce, celery, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. This work experience ultimately led to his profession following college.

Bill started working in the produce business two weeks after he graduated from college in 1969, which resulted in starting his own business shortly thereafter in May, 1970. Over the years there have been three different name changes; Monc’s Consolidated Produce, Inc., New West Fruit Corp., and California Giant, Inc.

The business started out as buying and selling fruits and vegetables, and then in 1973 he grew his first strawberries. Today, over thirty years later, California Giant, Inc. ships 15 million cartons of strawberries annually throughout the United States and internationally from California & Florida. The company also grows and ships raspberries, blackberries and blueberries sourcing nationally and from around the world.

As the company grew over the years, so did his involvement in many industry affiliations. Bill feels it is important to be involved in organizations that support our businesses, as well as local, state and federal organizations that are committed to improving the health and wellness of Americans. Bill’s involvement in both non-profit affiliations and government agencies provides the opportunity to be involved in activities that will benefit the produce industry at large as well as his local community.

Mr. Moncovich is affiliated with the following organizations: California State Board of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, California Strawberry Commission, Spring Lamb BBQ (American Cancer Society), American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Produce for Better Health Foundation, Produce Marketing Association, United Fresh Produce Association, Western Growers Association, and the American Heart Association.

Bill married Karen Chappell (WHS, Class of 1964) in 1967. They have three daughters, all graduates of WHS; Nicole, Class of 1988; Leanne, Class of 1990; and Jennifer, Class of 1992. In his spare time Bill enjoys fishing, hunting, boating, skiing and traveling.

Bill states, “As Chairman of the local Spring Lamb BBQ, I am carrying on a tradition started by my father to benefit the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. The annual event generates tremendous community sponsorship and participation while benefiting a very worthy cause.

I can attribute much of my success in business to my early years at Watsonville High School. I was not the best student on campus, but did my school work, was active in school sports and knew the importance of graduating from high school and going on to college. Like many, I started at Cabrillo and moved to a four-year school to get my degree. I appreciate the education and support of teachers and coaches who pushed me when I needed it and provided the foundation for my higher education and ultimately my career.”

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