Employee Spotlight: Rafael Montanez

A&J Vineyard Supply’s Employee Spotlight series highlights a different employee every month, offering an inside look into our company culture and the individuals that make our team the best in the business. This month, meet Rafael Montanez. As our Operations Manager, Rafael has been with A&J for 8 years!

Name: Rafael Montanez

Role at A&J? Operations Manager

How long have you been working at A&J? 8 years

 

Q: What’s your favorite thing/activity to do in the Napa Valley?
Rafael: “Riding my motorcycle. Napa has a lot of nice areas to ride up in the hills with great scenery. It’s only a recent hobby I picked up a few years ago but one I have enjoyed very much living here. And of course, wine tasting!! With so much great wine and so many wineries here in the valley, you cannot go wrong with a weekend of wine tasting almost anywhere you go here.”

Q: What’s the most interesting trip you’ve ever taken? When?
Rafael: “The most interesting trip I have taken is when I went to Colombia in 2018. We stayed near the coast and the beaches, people and the culture were amazing. It was the first time I had tasted Aguardiente and it was delicious.”

Q: If you could recommend one vineyard tool or product, what would it be and why?
Rafael: “Measuring tape. It is a very underrated tool that is forgotten about but extremely helpful. With so many different sizes of crossarms, t-post, end posts, fence, and wood posts that we carry, knowing what size material a customer needs is very helpful for everyone.”

Q: What do you like best about working for A&J Vineyard Supply?
Rafael: “The team. The A&J team is a very family-like group. We work hard but we also play hard and a lot of us get together outside of work. It’s just a very fun, hard-working group of people who enjoy working together. Can’t get any better than that.”

Q: What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
Rafael: “I feel like I have helped the company grow by being an intricate part of the office and helping to bring it together.”

Q: What’s the best advice you were ever given in your life? Who was it from?
Rafael: “Work hard for what you want – My Parents.”

Q: Who is your favorite soccer team? Who do you think is the best player of all time?
Rafael: “Manchester City in the EPL. I became a fan of soccer in 2012 but have followed Manchester since. Vincent Kompany may not be the best player in the world, but he was the team captain for a long time and helped to elevate Manchester to the team they are today.”