In November, Keystone Fruit Marketing will celebrate a big anniversary with their first-ever grower, El Vista Orchards.
El Vista Orchards was started in 1915 by Dave Benner’s grandfather, Banks Elmer Benner (aka, B.E. Benner). Dave is proudly third generation and his two sons, Kyle and David, are fourth generation. If you ask Dave how he got into the apple business, he’ll tell you that he was born into it--and in fact, he received his first official check from the farm at 10 years old.
Marvin Carbaugh and Bob Evans officially formed Keystone in November of 1977. They were familiar with El Vista, run by Dave’s father, Lloyd Benner, at the time. The two partners knew that El Vista provided quality apples and envisioned it to be an excellent grower partner for Keystone. Bob Evans says, “They were significant, especially in the beginning, to our success. And they have been ever since,” said Bob Evans.
Both Bob Evans and Dave Benner have fond memories and interesting stories to tell about each other from the last several years.
The produce business isn’t always easy, but these two companies have managed to thrive and evolve together with humor and joy.
Both remember a time when Bob and Marvin called to ask if they could fill Keystone’s first apple order. Lloyd Benner responded, “You got any money?” While it was probably part jest but mostly truth at the time, both parties remember this with a chuckle. El Vista quickly learned that Keystone was good for it - not just the money, but also a long-lasting connection. And Keystone realized this was a grower to partner with well into the future.
Everyone at Keystone speaks highly of Dave and his team at El Vista. “They’re a good grower and they’re great, hard-working people to work with. The main thing has been communication and also understanding. Most days were not smooth, but we were able to work things out and make them work for everyone involved,” said Bob. “No is not in El Vista’s vocabulary. They will always do whatever it takes to fulfill our customers’ needs,” added apple commodity manager, Lisa Fetterhoff.
When asked about his secret to success in the apple business and in life, Dave says it’s about having heart and taking it one day at a time. “You have to have a big heart. Give your best every day and at the end of it, know that you did what you could and you gave it your all, no matter the outcome,” he said.
Keystone thanks El Vista for an incredible 45 years of working together and cheers to another 45.
For more information:
M. Andrea Scroggs
Keystone Fruit Marketing
Tel: +1 (717) 597-2112
[email protected]
https://www.keystonefruit.com/
