By Staff Writer: Trinidad Carrasco
Every two weeks, a familiar red truck rolls into New Mexico, loaded down with crates of fresh oranges, avocadoes, and much more. The words Martinez & Sons Produce & Moving Equipment are painted across the side. They’re a small family business that travels more than 1,200 miles from Ivanhoe, California to sell produce in towns like Carlsbad, Artesia, Roswell, Hobbs, and Albuquerque.
At the heart of it all is Thomas Martinez, owner and worker, who never misses a trip. Rain or shine, heat or cold, Thomas and his crew, which is made up of his son and two other helpers, always do this long drive twice a month and stay for a week. When Thomas finally reaches Artesia or Carlsbad, he does more than sell fruits; he visits his mother, runs errands for her, and makes sure she’s taken care of before hitting the road again.
For Thomas, it’s not just business; it’s giving back to the community that raised him. “People look forward to us coming, and they always tell me it’s some of the cheapest, good quality produce they can find for their family.”