SANTA MARIA, CA — Judy Lundberg-Wafer, co-founder and owner of Babé Farms, Inc., is stepping aside as its president. She has "passed the torch" to her son Jeff Lundberg who will now serve as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Babé Farms, Inc.
Judy will now assume the role of chairman of the board. Lundberg-Wafer commented that "It is the next logical step in our family business.
Jeff has grown up working at Babe' Farms and understands all levels of the operation and business from the ground up."
A further management change at Babé Farms is the naming of Chris Cordero as its company vice president, under Jeff Lundberg. Cordero has been with the company in various capacities since mid-1990 and previously served as vice president of operations and sales. Cordero's great uncle, Will Souza, was the primary founder of Babe' Farms in partnership with Judy and Frank Lundberg and Greg and Cherrie Pedigo.
Farming and ranching runs deep in the family roots. Lundberg-Wafer is a 3rd generation farmer. Her grandparents emigrated from the Azores Islands (Portugal) and began to farm on the California Central Coast in the early 1900’s. Her father ran a ranch in the Lompoc Valley, where Judy worked in the fields, hoeing beans during summer breaks. In the early 1960’s the family moved to the Santa Maria Valley where she lived, graduated high school and then married her late husband Frank Lundberg. They became partners in the family farming operation with her father. In the early 1980’s they both worked for Souza & Boster Farming and then formed Babe’ Farms, Inc in 1986. She has seen it all. From working the fields, managing a farm and as CEO of the successful operation that Babe’ Farms has become today. As she would say, “hard work is the secret to success, along with surrounding yourself with great employees.” Babe’ Farms, as large as it has become still has the heart of a small farm operation, that’s how she was raised. Very community oriented Judy “makes a difference” in the lives of those who she comes in contact with. A leader who empowers those who work for her has been her recipe for success.
Lundberg-Wafer will continue to play an active role at Babé Farms while also enjoying well deserved time off with her grandchildren and time to travel leisurely with her husband Jim.
Source: Babé Farms, Inc.
