Today we’d like to introduce you to John & Karolyn Akopyan
Hi John & Karolyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From 1999 to 2019, we owned a criminal background check company. We sold the company in January of 2019. I’ve always been very interested in agriculture, so in 2019 we entered into an agreement to purchase a 29 acre date farm in Coachella. Soon thereafter, another opportunity came up and we purchased an additional 27 acres neighboring our other farm. It’s been quite an adventure especially since we had no idea what farming really is.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth is not a word I would use. It’s like learning the whole process backwards. Not only do you have to learn the trade, you have to learn the culture and understand the people. Being Armenian helps because the Coachella Valley is mainly operated by the Hispanic community. Armenians and Hispanics understand each other well and help in every way possible.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We grow and sell fresh Medjool dates in Coachella, Ca. The name of our company is The Perfect Date. I think the name says it all. We handpick, hand-select, and hand pack all of our dates. We inspect every single box before they are sent to the stores for resale. Our signature 3lb Gold luxury box is our driving force. We are thankful that people are beginning to recognize the difference between hand packed and machine packed. What sets us apart from others is that we don’t focus on volume. We focus on organic growth and continuous harvest improvement as well as new product development.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was eager to learn and more eager to listen. I had a couple of mentors who were kind enough to teach me how to slow down and have a clear vision when the opportunity comes because it will come for everyone. Opportunities don’t skip people, it’s the other way around. People skip opportunities daily and never even know.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theperfectdatestore
