From warty goblins to Turkish turbans, Mendonca grows a colorful variety of pumpkins that are quickly becoming the centerpiece of fall displays in homes and businesses from Tulare to Fresno.
"I have anywhere between 10-15 pumpkin varieties," Mendonca said.
He and his girlfriend, Alyssa Valdez, deliver custom pumpkin packages that add seasonal flair to porches and storefronts.
Whether customers want bright orange or uniquely shaped gourds, Mendonca makes it happen.
"They're really pretty and they look good," he said. "We decorated a couple of porches, and I thought, 'Aw man, the look on people's faces.' I thought there was definitely a market."
Erick's family runs a dairy in Tulare, and he works as a crop advisor specializing in tree nuts, row crops, corn, wheat, alfalfa, and cotton. But a few years ago, he started growing pumpkins just for fun.
"The first year, I just grew a bunch - handed them out to friends and family. Decorated front porches. It kind of took off," he said. "This year was the first year we grew enough to start selling."
And so the Mendonca Pumpkin Co. was born.
Each pumpkin display package costs around $10 to $15.
Erick was surprised to see the impact social media has had on his business.
"I had a TikTok do over 3 million views in less than three days," Mendonca said.
Now, Mendonca spends his days delivering pumpkins to schools, businesses, and homes throughout the Valley.
"All day, every day," he joked. "Don't tell too many people."
But it seems the secret's already out.
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