Recently we celebrated two D’Artagnan employees who have each worked with the company for 25 years. Ariane Daguin, owner and CEO, and Andy Wertheim, President of D’Artagnan, held an office party to thank them for their years of service (and give them both large TVs!). It’s not every company that has employees with that kind of longevity, so we wanted to take a moment and introduce you to these extraordinary gentlemen. They both play vital roles in our operations and deserve recognition.

Dedication and Discipline

German Estevez is now Facility and Special Project Manager, but when he started 25 years ago in our warehouse space in Jersey City, NJ, he was one of a very small team who got orders out the door.

Sometimes German was tapped to drive a truck into New York City on a Friday afternoon, for a second run delivery to the restaurants because chefs needed something for service that night. “At the time, we had 5 drivers total and 3 that covered New York City. Today we have 7 for New York City alone. And there was no GPS. We printed maps to get around back then, but I always got lost in lower Manhattan anyway!”

“We used to know every product by name, not by item number. We used paper and pencil, walked down the hallway to give the exact weight of the products so that an invoice could be created. Now we are more sophisticated, and it’s all bar codes and computers,” said German.

One of the original D’Artagnan vans next to the landmark St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, circa late 1980s.

 The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of German is his true dedication to D’Artagnan. I will always remember him, actually swimming to be able to access the loading dock, flooded during the hurricane Sandy, to add dry ice in the aisles of the refrigerated warehouse as the electric power was not back!                – Ariane Daguin

German was an Air Force Lieutenant in the Dominican Republic when he met a Jersey girl and moved to the United States to marry her. His dream was to have a nice house in the country, a good car, and a happy family. When he began working at D’Artagnan 25 years ago, he was just starting that family with one young baby. Today he is the proud father of three grown children.

D’Artagnan made my American dream come true. Thanks to D’Artagnan I have been able to provide for my family. I am so grateful to Ariane and Andy, for working so closely with me, for teaching me and believing in me.        – German Estevez

Delivery with a Smile

Before he worked for D’Artagnan Dirwin Reid delivered payroll to our office. His impeccable work ethic and consistent delivery times were noticed. When everyone started setting their watches by Dirwin’s arrival, a job offer was made, and he has been a steady and reliable driver for D’Artagnan ever since.

“It’s a good company to work for and the people are excellent. D’Artagnan is like a family, with an open atmosphere and communication,” said Dirwin.

What is most striking about Dirwin is his smile. Whether it is a good day, a bad day, even a horrible day, Dirwin’s demeanor will always be positive. And it is contagious! When we say: All for One, One for All, we immediately think of Dirwin.   – Ariane Daguin

Dirwin Reid proudly wears the D’Artagnan logo.

Dirwin goes back so long that he’s followed chefs from the start of their careers to heading up their own kitchens. Just recently he fell into conversation with a chef at Moonshine in Millburn, NJ, about the old days at Odeon and Montrachet in New York City, where the chef worked and Dirwin delivered. Restaurants come and go, but Dirwin is still driving and making sure the meat gets there on time. “My day starts at 5:00 AM when I come in to get my fully packed truck. Over the past 25 years, I’ve done every route: NYC, New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Boston, Vermont, Long Island, Westchester, Brooklyn, Washington, DC, and Virginia.”

Over the years I’ve seen other companies try to imitate D’Artagnan but they have fallen by the wayside and we are still here.  – Dirwin Reid

The company has grown a lot in 25 years, and many things have changed, but Dirwin’s smiling face has remained a constant. “I’m proud to represent D’Artagnan every day, to wear the logo on the uniform and know that we have a good brand with a solid reputation for excellence and service,” he said.

Three cheers for these hardworking and vital members of the D’Artagnan team!

Featured photo, left to right: Ariane Daguin, Dirwin Read, German Estevez, Andy Wertheim

Since 1985, D’Artagnan has been at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, producing superior tasting products by partnering with small ranches and farms. We are committed to free-range, natural production, sustainable and humane farming practices and no use of antibiotics or hormones. That’s why D’Artagnan products have been revered by America’s most renowned chefs for over 30 years. We offer the same high-quality products to home cooks at dartagnan.com, along with recipes and guides to help you live the tasty life.

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