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This is Fred Ball, for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
A Utah company is the largest independent produce supplier in the Intermountain area. It's name? Well, anyone involved in the produce business will recognize it. I'm talking about A&Z Produce Company.
A&Z's beginnings date back to 1935, but the company truly began growing when Cliff Clark of Bountiful became a partner after World War II. As the driving force behind the company during the last century, Cliff brought an impressive work ethic with him.
Cliff got an early start in the produce business. At age 5, he harvested pickling onions. By 12, he was driving a truck and delivering produce. After graduating high school, Cliff began making a variety of runs to neighboring states for loads of whatever produce he could find. He built a network of contacts along the way and always found willing buyers when he returned.
After serving in the Army during World War II, Cliff returned to work at A&Z. The reputation he had established with suppliers and customers alike prior to the war was still alive, and it was through that that Cliff established A&Z as one of the largest wholesale produce suppliers in Utah.
Today, A&Z sources product from all over the world and delivers it fresh to customers. For decades, the company has earned the highest ratings for integrity and credit, and its suppliers see no need for signed contracts. Rather, a supplier notifies A&Z by phone that a shipment is ready and A&Z sends a truck. A phone call is all that is needed for customers as well.
In the 1970s, Cliff's three sons‹Jay Dee, Steve and Scott‹joined him in the family business. Now, a third generation is involved and the Clark men have continued to run A&Z in much the same manner. They don't really have much of a choice, since even at age 84, Cliff comes in every day to ensure that things are running smoothly. But even if Cliff's sons could change things, they wouldn't After all, why mess with success?
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
