People with Disabilities
Matsuda's Nursery Solves Labor Shortage with Innovative Workforce Initiative
Since 1957, Matsuda’s Nursery has been a staple of the Sacramento region’s horticultural landscape, supplying over 2.5 million plants annually to retailers like Green Acres Nursery and Supply (co-owner of Matsuda’s), Home Depot, and local contractors.
“At any given time, between propagation and the field, there are around 5 to 6 million plants—living organisms—we’re responsible for,” said Travis Gill, co-owner of Matsuda’s Nursery. “Our vegetable-growing greenhouse in Auburn alone sells 1.5 million vegetable and annual starts a year.”
Behind this massive operation is a team dedicated not only to growing exceptional plants, but to nurturing the people who help them thrive.
With approximately 150 full-time nursery workers and another 100 seasonal employees, Matsuda’s success relies on a committed workforce ready to meet the demanding challenges of greenhouse and field labor. From planting to weeding to harvesting under the sun, the job requires resilience, precision, and heart.
But even in an industry rooted in growth, Matsuda’s found itself facing a hiring drought.
“We went through a period when people were not looking for work,” said Ryan Wallace, General Manager at Matsuda’s. “It was a different pattern than we were used to.”
The Challenge: A Shortage of Seasonal Employees
Like many agricultural businesses, Matsuda’s traditionally depended on seasonal employees to supplement its full-time workforce. But the labor market began to tighten, with fewer people seeking these physically demanding roles. One challenge in particular, an overgrowth of weeds, highlighted the urgency of finding reliable full-time nursery workers.
“Two weeds turn into two thousand, then two hundred thousand, in about eight weeks,” said Gill. “If you can’t go through the field and get every last weed out, the job is not complete. Staying ahead of the weeds to maintain a clean nursery, in addition to all of the plant production work required, was affecting morale. When we brought on PRIDE Industries seven years ago, they showed up and did an incredible job. Now, you can’t find a weed in our fields.”
But it wasn’t just about weed control. Matsuda’s needed nursery workers who could integrate into their close-knit culture, where workers feel like a family and are dedicated to high standards.
The Solution: A Winning Partnership Takes Root
To address their staffing needs, Matsuda’s Nursery partnered with PRIDE Industries, a social enterprise creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. PRIDE Industries provided supported work crews—teams of employees supported by embedded job coaches—who brought consistency, dedication, and enthusiasm to the nursery’s daily operations.
“What PRIDE Industries brought to the table is a consistent, solid crew that will show up and do any task you ask them to do—and do it day after day, correctly and efficiently, with a smile on their face,” said Gill.
The nursery quickly saw that this wasn’t just a staffing solution; it was a cultural fit. The PRIDE Industries job coaches played a crucial role, setting expectations, providing guidance, and ensuring that the PRIDE Industries employees worked seamlessly with the other nursery workers, so that together these two groups formed a single, productive workforce.
“The job coaches make the crew what they are,” said Irene Ramirez, Operations Manager. “They’re on time, they know what’s needed, they jump in. If something needs doing, they don’t wait—they take care of it. They’ve been doing an amazing job.”
Over time, with the weed issue resolved, the responsibilities of the PRIDE Industries crew expanded significantly.
“They started by tackling the weed issue,” said Wallace. “But now they’re helping us load flats for planting, supporting bare root production, and taking on more responsibilities every year. They’ve become a vital part of our operation.”
Many of the PRIDE Industries crew members have been with Matsuda’s since 2018, proof of both their dedication and the supportive environment Matsuda’s has cultivated.
The Results: A Stronger, More Inclusive Matsuda's
The impact of the partnership goes far beyond solving a shortage of nursery workers. It has elevated morale and supported the culture at Matsuda’s, while providing meaningful, stable employment for people with disabilities.
“These jobs mean everything for our PRIDE team members,” said Grant Murray, PRIDE Industries Workforce Inclusion Manager. “This means independence—being able to afford rent, groceries, and transportation. It gives our employees purpose and a deep connection to the work they do.”
For Matsuda’s, the benefits have been both personal and operational.
“The biggest thing from an ownership perspective is morale,” said Gill. “The energy that these employees bring every day is unmatched. They are so happy to be here and work alongside our other employees, and I did not see that as part of the equation when we decided to bring the PRIDE Industries crew in. It’s honestly been the greatest part of it all.”
From day one, the fit of this partnership was undeniable.
“What we have with PRIDE Industries is a partnership built on respect, trust, and shared values,” said Murray. “From the first meeting, it wasn’t just about getting a job done—it was about inclusion and believing in what’s possible when people are given the chance to thrive.”
Gill’s advice to other businesses is as straightforward as it is heartfelt.
“If you’re a business facing workforce challenges, I believe this kind of partnership is worth exploring,” he said. “What we’ve built with PRIDE Industries goes far beyond filling roles—it’s about finding people who care, who show up with purpose, and who lift the entire team. It’s been one of the most meaningful decisions we’ve made.”
“What PRIDE Industries brought to the table is a consistent, solid crew that will show up and do any task you ask them to do—and do it day after day, correctly and efficiently, with a smile on their face.”
In 2019, Marc Grundy didn’t imagine that someday he’d be an advocate for jobs for people with autism. In fact, back then, after he’d started and stopped college, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. Around that time, Marc’s mother issued an ultimatum: If he wasn’t going to stay in college, he’d have to get a job—not always an easy task for people with autism. That’s when Marc got in contact with PRIDE Industries.
Early Interventions
Marc was diagnosed with autism when he was a toddler, after his parents noticed some behavioral issues.
“I wouldn’t make eye contact with my mother or grandmother,” said Marc. “And I didn’t respond to verbal or emotional signals—tendencies I continue to have.”
Other signs included repetitive behaviors and difficulty communicating. Fortunately, Marc’s mother worked in healthcare, so Marc’s diagnosis—and the early interventions that accompanied it—came sooner than they do for some individuals with autism. But even early interventions and hard work—both on Marc’s part and on his mother’s—didn’t waylay the bullying that was born of societal ignorance.
“As much as possible, employers should be aware of what autism is, so that they can put good policies in place for people with autism who are looking for employment. A big part of that will be accommodations.”
“Once I was in school, I was teased and bullied at times,” said Marc. “I really struggle with expressing emotions. That can make the other person not want to hang out with you or like you. Some people think you’re creepy and will say so.”
As Marc grew older, he came to understand more about his autism. He also realized what he did and did not want to do with his life.
“I started at college,” he said. “But I didn’t like the pace of learning in college.”
Job Preparation and Placement
Around that time, Marc’s mother strongly encouraged him to seek employment. She also recommended PRIDE Industries, the leading provider of employment for people with disabilities, including those with autism. Soon after, in March 2019, Marc was put in touch with a Youth Services Job Developer for PRIDE Industries.
“He really helped me,” said Marc.
The job developer showed Marc how to prepare a resume, apply for jobs, and participate in the interview process.
“He really worked with me on subject matter that involved doing a good interview,” said Marc. “Like what you should say that employers most care about and what you should ask them. Also, what would make them see you as a good candidate.”
Then, in August 2019, Marc acquired a paid internship as an assembler in the manufacturing department of PRIDE Industries.
“It worked well for me because of my passion for building things,” said Marc.
Marc began with simple, entry-level tasks and gradually undertook more complex ones that made use of his eye for detail.
“When I build things, I always tell myself, ‘Quality over speed,’” said Marc. “I pay great attention to detail. I think that’s one of the strengths of the high-functioning autistic mind.”
Marc’s strengths were such that, four months later, he was hired into the position permanently.
And now?
A “Great Employee”
Since joining PRIDE Industries as a full-time employee, Marc has continued to impress his supervisor.
“Marc has been a great employee,” says Production Supervisor Mukesh Kumar. “He has been working in the Medical Business Unit, helping to produce the Game Ready™ units for one of our biggest customers.”
Game Ready™ is a medical device that has been described as “the number one recovery tool used by thousands of professionals, athletes, trainers, surgeons, professional teams, and sports medicine professionals around the world.”
It’s not just Marc’s attention to detail that impresses his co-workers. His soft skills are also on point.
“Marc’s dedication, commitment, and teamwork are commendable,” said Kumar. “His pleasant personality contributes to a positive work environment as well. He’s always here, eager to work and learn new things.”
It’s that desire to learn new things that keeps Marc looking forward.
“Though I’m pretty fine with where I’m at right now,” he says, “I do have a few thoughts on what else I could do, and I think they are things PRIDE Industries could help me pursue.”
Advocating for Jobs for People with Autism
When asked what he wants potential employers to know about hiring people with autism, Marc emphasized awareness.
“As much as possible, employers should be aware of what autism is, so that they can put good policies in place for people with autism who are looking for employment,” said Marc. “A big part of that will be accommodations.”
U.S. businesses must, by law, provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to enable them to work. That sometimes concerns employers because they think it will be expensive. It is not. The Job Accommodation Network, a disability employment consultancy, surveys employers regularly about the cost of accommodations, and the numbers have been consistent over the years. Most accommodations (56 percent) are free, and the rest cost an average of $300. For autistic employees, creating a sensory-friendly break room or giving people extra time to formulate answers to questions are inexpensive ways to enhance well-being and productivity.
Marc knows what a difference accommodations can make. That’s why a few years ago, he volunteered to be part of the team that helped prepare for the inaugural I AM ABLE Disability Job Fair, which was created by and for people with disabilities. Marc’s expert advice led to the creation of quiet spaces for those job fair participants who communicate better without too much external stimuli. The job fair drew over 600 attendees, which means that dozens of people benefited from Marc’s insights.
And when it comes to jobs for people with autism, Marc has valuable insights for employers too. Companies seeking to help employees excel at their jobs should keep one thing in mind: “Just make them feel safe.”
Disability Employment Programs
Whether you’re a person with a disability seeking employment, or a company that needs to find reliable employees, we have a program to fit your needs. Click below to find the solution that’s right for you.
At Matsuda’s Nursery in Sacramento, the sun is hot, the work is physical, and the environment is ever-changing. But for Employment Coach Retascha Harrison, who provides supported employment for people with disabilities at the nursery, it is also a place of transformation for the Matsuda’s-based PRIDE Industries employees she supports and for herself.
A Champion for Supported Employment for People with Disabilities
As an Employment Coach, Retascha Harrison plays a vital role in delivering supported employment for people with disabilities, offering encouragement, guidance, and inspiration to those she serves.
“We help them overcome some challenges that they may have,” she explained. “Like any employee, there are days when your attention needs to be refocused, or you need some extra guidance.”
For Retascha, support is about more than job performance. “It’s about taking them out of that funk and reminding them that having this job is helping you create an income for yourself, helping you be more independent, and be able to work within the community and achieve some of those goals that you plan out for your life,” she said.
When asked to describe her approach to job coaching, Retascha talked about the importance of empathy and flexibility.
“Every day doesn’t have to be a good day,” she said. “Everyone has days when they get up on the wrong side of the bed. But what I can do is help them get themselves together…and when they are ready, come over and enjoy the rest of the day with the group.”
And if someone is having a tough day? “Let’s take it out on the weeds,” she said with a smile.
Growth That Goes Both Ways
Retascha’s work is deeply personal and transformative, and Retascha has often shared how much she learns from the individuals she supports. “There are things I probably wouldn’t have done prior to working here. Things that involve dirt and bugs” she said with a laugh. “But these employees have showed me, there isn’t anything to be afraid of.”
Employees like Ashley Wolf, one of the longest-serving PRIDE Industries employees on the Matsuda’s-based work crew.
“She is fearless,” Retascha said. “We have sections in the nursery where there’s lavender. Bees come to lavender a lot. You’ll start to hear a buzzing that can be loud and intimidating, but Ashley will walk through them fearlessly. It’s made me become braver and want to challenge myself more.”
Another PRIDE Industries employee working at Matsuda’s, Dexter Reed, reminds Retascha of the power of purpose. “He knows that coming to work every day creates an income to be able to do what he wants to do in life, which is to take care of not only himself, but his dog, the thing that makes his world go around.”
Retascha’s work as an employment coach helps make career stability and growth possible for her work group. That is something her crew does not take for granted. Sean Elliot, another member of the Matsuda’s-based work crew, expressed the sentiment of many of the PRIDE Industries employees there when he said, “This job has been a game changer for me, and also for my family. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have this job.”
A Team Effort, Recognized and Respected
The impact of employment coaches like Retascha is central to the success of supported employment for people with disabilities and is felt across Matsuda’s nursery.
“The coaches make the crew what they are,” said Irene Ramirez, Operations Manager at Matsuda’s. “They’re on time, they know what’s needed, they jump in. If something needs doing, they don’t wait, they take care of it. They’ve been doing an amazing job.”
Maricruz Guevara works for Matsuda’s in human resources, also appreciates the coaches. “They are amazing. If we have any issues, we can always reach out to them. They are always great about communicating between us and the PRIDE Industries team.”
Suppported Employment for People with Disabilites Changes Lives
For Retascha, the most rewarding part of her job is witnessing how people change and grow when they have meaningful employment.
“It’s really special to see somebody go from a place of not knowing a lot of things, and then you turn around and they’re a whole different person,” she said. “Just within a year, or even a month, you start to see the little steps they take toward reaching their goals. And it makes me proud to say I was a part of that.”
The employees she supports feel that impact every day.
“My coach is fun,” said Ashley. “She’s really funny and she helps me out lots.”
Sean agreed, saying, “The coaches are excellent at not only giving instructions, but most of all giving great advice. They’re also very understanding and have a great sense of humor. I must say that it’s helpful having them here, and it’s always fun.”
Being part of supported employment for people with disabilities is more than a job; it’s a calling that has shaped Retascha both professionally and personally.
“I don’t just come to work to pull weeds and take care of plants,” Retascha said. “There’s more to it than that. And that makes me feel good about what I’m doing. I take these tools that I’m learning out here and put them into my personal life… and I’m able to be a better person every day because of that.”
Disability Employment Programs
Whether you’re a person with a disability seeking employment, or a company that needs to find reliable employees, we have a program to fit your needs. Click below to find the solution that’s right for you.
Some people light up a room the moment they walk in. Andrew Garcia, kitchen team member at Eskaton Senior Living’s Gold River facility, lights up an entire dining hall.
From Shy to Shining
After graduating from high school, Andrew faced a challenging job market and struggled to find work that truly showcased his skills and personality. As a person with a disability, he encountered barriers that limited his access to long-term employment. While he was able to find fleeting seasonal jobs and night shift positions, he wanted a role where his strongest asset—his character—would be valued.
“For five years, I worked graveyard shifts. During my breaks, I would write poems, but there were never many people to share them with,” said Andrew.
That opportunity finally came when PRIDE Industries connected him with Eskaton, a leading provider of senior care in Northern California. Andrew joined the kitchen team at the company’s Gold River senior living community, a place where his kindness and passion for helping others could truly thrive.
As a kitchen team member, Andrew quickly became more than just a familiar face to the residents; he became a constant source of warmth and connection.
“Andrew has absolutely flourished here. He went from being a quiet person to chatting with everyone and sharing his poetry with them. It has been amazing to watch him grow and blossom,” said Carol Compton, PRIDE Industries Employment Coach.
A Steady Presence in a Changing Industry
The senior living industry routinely experiences high turnover. This can be difficult for community residents, who often form close bonds with staff members. For many older adults, Eskaton is more than a senior living community; it is their home. And as in any home, stability matters. Frequent team member changes can feel disorienting and unsettling for residents, who naturally seek comfort, familiarity, and interpersonal connection.
This is one reason why Eskaton turned to PRIDE Industries for culinary team support.
“It started with a need for consistency with kitchen team members,” said Paul Nelson, Director of Culinary Experience at Eskaton. “We were looking for a long-term solution rather than constantly training new people.”
Culinary team retention also impacts the resident experience. “We know that the turnover of kitchen team member role directly correlates to the happiness and quality of life of residents. If you see new people over and over it can be very stressful,” said Cynthia Driver, Director of Work Partnerships at Eskaton.
Cynthia’s comments are supported by the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a decades long study of what makes people happy in life that followed 724 participants from all over world for years. “It’s the longest in-depth longitudinal study on human life ever done,” said researchers Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz,” and it’s brought us to a simple and profound conclusion: Good relationships lead to health and happiness.”
Kitchen Team Member Enhances the Resident Experience
Andrew has become a comforting constant in the dining room. His daily presence offers not only a sense of routine but also the emotional reassurance that someone truly cares. When residents come to each meal, they find more than a warm plate, they find a friendly face they know and trust, someone who sees them and enriches their lives.
Beyond his duties of taking orders, serving meals, and cleaning, Andrew puts in the extra effort to get to know every person who calls Eskaton home. The culinary team, residents, and fellow employees all appreciate the way he elevates the dining experience.
“The residents really enjoy Andrew’s presence. He can anticipate their needs. He has learned who the regulars are. Half of them, he doesn’t have to ask their orders anymore, but he still does so they can feel heard. He knows all of their names and has really pleasant conversations with each of them,” Paul said.
For many residents, mealtime is more than just a time to eat. It’s a vital part of their day and an opportunity to connect with others. Andrew ensures that each interaction is meaningful.
“He was a little shy at first, but from then on, he has had the biggest smile. He always greets you by your name and says hello. It makes you feel like family. I may have family close, but not everyone does, so that makes you feel special,” said Sharon Douglas, a resident at Eskaton.
The Poet of Eskaton
Andrew’s impact at Eskaton extends far beyond his role as kitchen team member. He has become the community’s beloved poet. His heartfelt poetry, filled with themes of gratitude and appreciation for life’s beauty, has resonated with both residents and staff. Residents share his poems among their friends, and behind the scenes, his words decorate the walls, reminding each kitchen team member of the joy in their work.
Within the walls of Eskaton, Andrew’s poems are so much more than just words on paper. For the residents, his poems offer comfort, joy, and a reminder of the beauty in everyday life.
Overcoming Barriers to Employment
Finding steady employment once posed a challenge for Andrew. Then PRIDE Industries connected him with a role that suited his strengths, in an industry that needs reliable workers. At Eskaton, his light finally had a place to shine.
Now, not only does Andrew excel at his job, he’s also an integral part of the Eskaton community. His success story is a testament to the life-changing power of inclusive employment.
“I think the misconceptions are widely there when you hear ‘disability’ first, and there is an idea of limitation,” said Cynthia. “Being in this field, it’s a wonderful match-up because we also have a huge stigma around aging and capabilities. People often think just because you’re a certain age that you would have a limitation. So having these two paired up together to basically fight both of these stigmas and have it work together in this beautiful concert is a wonderful opportunity.”
A Chance to Shine
In the kitchen bright where meals are made,
A dream took flight, where kindness laid.
PRIDE Industries opened the door
For a man with hope to do much more.
With hands that stir, and skills that grow,
He found his place, his talents flow.
At Eskaton’s heart, in the kitchen’s glow,
A chance was given and love did show.
Through teamwork strong and hearts aligned,
He found his worth, his purpose defined.
Filling each dish with joy and grace,
He shares his light in this special space.
Grateful for the chance, his spirit bright,
PRIDE Industries gave him wings to flight.
In the kitchen’s warmth, a story unfolds,
Of dreams fulfilled and hearts that hold.
— Andrew Garcia
Andrew knows that sometimes it takes businesses looking beyond these stigmas to find the talents hidden within each person.
“Anything is possible,” said Andrew. “Anyone with a disability has a special power within them. We don’t judge the person by the cover. If you took the chance to talk to them more and get to know them more, you would see that.”