8119 Ellington Ave, Hilmar, CA 95324, US
Rui Avila - Chief Executive Officer
Rui has been part of the Hilmar & Turlock community since 1975. He began working on local dairies at the young age of 9 and continued in the industry until he was 28 years of age. After completing two years of education at Modesto Junior College, he managed a prominent Holstein herd in Turlock for seven years.
Following his time in dairy management, Rui transitioned to the pharmaceutical sector, spending 4 years at Lander Vet Clinic in Turlock, where he specialized in pharmaceutical sales. In the fall of 2004, he joined Perry's Biological Products, gaining valuable experience before seizing the opportunity to purchase the business in January 2005 alongside his younger brother and business partner, John.
Rui takes great pride in delivering exceptional products and services to his customers. Committed to quality and innovation, he strives to provide the best possible solutions through R&J Avila's diverse product lines and intricate services.
John Avila - Chief Financial Officer
John graduated from CSU Chico in 2002 with a degree in Agricultural Business. Before attending Chico, he earned an Associate's Degree in Dairy Science from Modesto Junior College.
After graduating, John began his career selling pharmaceuticals at Lander Vet Clinic in Turlock. He held this position for 2 years until the opportunity arose to purchase Perry's Biological Products in 2005. While transitioning into business ownership, he continued working at Lander Vet Clinic for an additional 6 months. John and his older brother, Rui, operated Perry's Biological Products as a general partnership until April 2006, when they incorporated the company as R&J Avila, Inc.
Having grown up in the dairy industry, John was actively involved in FFA during high school, serving as a chapter officer and competing in dairy cattle judging & evaluation. HIs background and passion for agriculture have driven his commitment to serving the ag industry through the products and services provided by R&J Avila, Inc.
Mark Silveira Jr. - Territory Manager
Mark spent most of his life in the small town of Hilmar, Ca. Growing up, he was involved in various sports and played an active role in the family business'. Throughout high school, he participated in the FFA program, enjoying hands-on experience with different tasks.
During his senior year, Mark had the opportunity to begin working at R&J Avila, Inc. as a part-time Operations Tech. After graduating in 2017, he continued with the company full-time for a total of five years. He then transitioned into hauling commodities, working locally and eventually across state lines for 2.5 years, gaining valuable industry knowledge.
In the fall of 2024, Mark had the opportunity to return to R&J Avila, Inc. as a Territory Manager, where he now applies his strong relationships and loyalty to best serve his customers. He is proud to be back and is committed to providing excellent service.
George Espindula III - Operations Technician II
George was born and raised in Turlock, Ca. As a teenager, he worked on his family's dairy farm alongside his grandfather, father and brother. He remained involved in the family business until 2017, when the dairy was sold.
Following the sale, George pursued a new venture by opening a small welding and repair shop, G3 Welding & Repair. His extensive hands-on experience from farming contributed to the shop's success.
Come Fall 2021, George received an opportunity to join R&J Avila, Inc. He quickly grew fond of the company's atmosphere and the people he worked with. As a result, he decided to close his business and dedicate his knowledge and work ethic into daily operations here at R&J Avila, Inc since. He is extremely proud to be apart of the team and looks forwards for the future of the business.
Tony Madruga - Operation Technician II
Tony was born in 1955 on the island of Pico, Azores. He immigrated to the United States where he was raised in the community of Hanford, Ca. In 1973, he moved to Turlock, where he began working for a towing business. Just a few years later, in 1977, he took a leap of faith and purchased the company, growing it into what is now City Tow. Through years of dedication and hard work, Tony built a successful business that became a trusted name in the community.
In 2005, his children took over City Tow, carrying on the legacy he had built. Now retired, Tony stays active by helping friends and working here at R&J Avila, Inc. He specializes in routine lagoon inspections, irrigation and harvest sampling. His commitment to excellence continues to make an impact, both in the business he built and in the agricultural services he now supports.
Marilene Branco - Administrative Assistant
Marilene grew up on her father's dairy in Hilmar and graduated from Hilmar High School. She began her career in the lending industry as a loan processor before marrying and starting a dairy with her husband, Joey.
While raising their sons, she balanced family life with part-time work as a Notary Signing Agent and bookkeeper for a local farmer.
Deeply involved in her community, Marilene enjoys volunteering for local sports programs and supporting her sons' activities. She joined R&J Avila in February 2023, bringing her experience and passion to help support and grow the business.