Recently, the Olea family—because that’s truly what we are—stepped away from the factory floor and into the sunshine to celebrate an incredible milestone: our 50th anniversary. What began half a century ago with a grandfather, his sons, and a dream to build something lasting has grown into a place where generations have found belonging, purpose, and community.
And nothing captures that spirit better than watching everyone gathered on the lawn, laughing, sharing food, and cheering each other on like one big extended family.
There were sack races—fiercely competitive ones, at that. Daniel Olea came dangerously close to victory before running out of steam at the last second, giving Willie the opening he needed to claim the win. Frank, meanwhile, assumed an important and prestigious role on the sidelines: official purse holder, supervising the chaos with a grin.
The kids bounced nonstop in the inflatable house, parents chatted under shady trees, and longtime employees swapped stories that stretched all the way back to Olea’s earliest days. For a few hours, titles didn’t matter. Departments didn’t matter. It felt like old times—just people who care about each other enjoying a beautiful day.
What makes moments like this so special is knowing they’re part of something bigger. For 50 years, Olea has always been more than a workplace. It has been a place where family members showed up to help, where customers became friends, where employees supported one another through life’s toughest moments, and where loyalty wasn’t something printed on a poster—it was lived, day after day.
This picnic wasn’t just a celebration of the past. It was a reminder that the same heart and humanity that shaped our first 50 years is alive and well today. And if the laughter, the races, and the bounce-house squeals were any indication, the next 50 are going to be pretty special, too.
Thanks to all who were able to come and celebrate and much thanks to Kathy and Trish for organizing!
