When Pacific Beach resident Mike Spangler saw a lull in his day job as an event producer, he knew his next life change needed to be a fun one.
Now, Spangler owns and operates Spangler Sunset Avocado Orchard in Fallbrook, while also running a produce delivery program to houses across Pacific Beach, Point Loma and San Carlos.
“Last summer, driving my daughter up to softball every week, I found myself daydreaming about all the avocado farms we passed,” Spangler said. “I started looking around and the first orchard I looked at ended up being the one I bought. I have a solar system that runs the pump, and we have a well on site, which is rare. I soon realized that instead of being an expensive hobby, this could actually be a business.”
Pacific Beach resident Mike Spangler, owner of Spangler Sunset Avocado Orchard in Fallbrook. (Courtesy of Mike Spangler)
Spangler has 1,600 Haas avocado trees and around 10 orange trees, a growing operation that he anticipates is only just beginning. His goal is to supply up to 40,000 pounds of locally-grown avocados annually to San Diego households through his delivery network.
“Our goal is simple,” Spangler said. “Grow great avocados locally and deliver them directly to our neighbors. San Diego has an incredible legacy of avocado farming, and we’re proud to be part of that while creating a way for people in nearby neighborhoods to support local agriculture and enjoy fruit that was picked just days earlier.”
In attempts to bring the orchard’s success to the homes of those in Pacific Beach and beyond, Spangler Orchard Club was created, partnering with ambassadors across the city. The system not only connects the community, but allows for smooth operations.
“I am pretty involved in the PB community, so I have a pretty good reach,” Spangler said. “This new ambassador program has really taken off. I am offering weekly biweekly and monthly subscriptions. There is no reason why my avocados shouldn’t be in my community.”
Hass avocados growing at Spangler Sunset Avocado Orchard. (Courtesy of Mike Spangler)
Using the ambassador program, the Orchard Club has grown beyond just Pacific Beach.
“I have my ambassadors text who they know and gather a list of those that want the produce,” Spangler said. “The ambassadors let me know how many bags they need and then they distribute the avocados. I currently have this running in about 10 neighborhoods. I am throwing everything at the wall right now and seeing what sticks, and it looks like the ambassador program is. I have already distributed 10,000 pounds across local communities.”
At the root of it all, Spangler said his goal is to create a system that gives back to his community, while simultaneously dismantling the negatives that come with large scale, traditional avocado growing and distributing.
“A lot of bigger companies sit back and let the packers come in and just strip the trees, but the process itself is too easy,” he said. “My goal is to have all my avocados bypass the mainstream distributors in several years.
“Unlike traditional grocery supply chains, where avocados may travel long distances, we are delivering fruit within days of harvest,” Spangler said.
Another of his stated goals is to use every piece of produce and product that the orchard produces.
“I am looking at making an avocado tomatillo sauce. I have a very good limeade I make that I want to package,” Spangler said. “I plan to take everything from the farm and use it somehow, so that nothing is ever going to waste.”
Some of the 1,600 Hass avocado trees at Spangler Sunset Avocado Orchard in Fallbrook. (Courtesy of Mike Spangler)
Looking ahead, Spangler has many opportunities on the horizon. While the Spangler Orchard Club and ambassador program continue to grow, Spangler said he is also looking at in-person opportunities like the PB Night Market that is held weekly from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays in a parking lot at 875 Garnet Ave.
“I am going to set up a booth where people can come in and make their own guacamole to take home,” he said. “It will be super interactive, and they can personalize the guac and take it home.”
“It has been super fulfilling. I wake up at 5 a.m. excited to sell more avocados. I have never been so excited, it has been a long time since I have had this drive and motivation,” Spangler said.
For details on the orchard and how to purchase avocados or oranges, visit spangleravocados.com. Those interested in receiving avocados via the ambassador program can email spangleravocados@gmail.com or on Instagram go to @spangler_sunset_avo_orchard.