As the nephew of the late Miguel González Jiménez, the founder of the Northgate market, Joshua Gonzalez was born into a family that owns one of the greatest chains of Hispanic supermarkets in the country.

But those born in the family did not automatically give Gonzalez the right to enter a management position in a family business that currently operates 43 markets throughout Southern California, with more than 7,500 employees.

At the age of 16, Gonzalez began luggage groceries, cleaning, crates and performing other tasks on the ground floor.

“I just learned the business. I learned how to treat customers, which is really the most important thing; how to engage with people,” he said.

Gonzalez then chose to attend the Cal State Business and Economic College Fullerton.

Gonzalez graduated from CSUF with a financial degree in 2018 and said he was inspired by his uncle, who was co-president of the Northgate chain when he decided to attend Pepperdine and win a MBA later in life.

“And I think it really changed the trajectory of our family and how we thought about education, both in our family and in our business, our people and our communities,” Gonzalez said. “And just encouraging to go to school, to prepare, add value to the organization and to become better. I think definitely shines, and that was my kind of inspiration to go to school . “

The CSUF administration boasts its designation as an institution that serves Hispanic, offering a variety of resources to first -generation college students.

Two respected magazines covering higher education from a Hispanic perspective ranked CSUF Nr. 4 In the country among four years of schools for the total number of bachelor degrees given Latinx students.

“I felt the support, especially from the professors,” Gonzalez said. “I think their attempt to go higher and spend time (with Latinx students) knowing that the learning curve is much higher if you don’t have your parents or relatives who have previously been in college . “

Studying finances at CSUF, Gonzalez used the school business school center for family business, which was launched in 1995 to help family businesses recognize ordinary problems and help find solutions to those issues.

After winning his rank from CSUF, Gonzalez continued to earn a master’s degree in the development of real estate from the University of Southern California.

Gonzalez was then well prepared to collaborate with the Northgate market team to develop Mercado Gonzalez, a 7,000 -square -foot Mercad in Costa Ma.

Open in 2023, the Mercado Company’s flag is also a widespread market and food court, offering Churros, Tamales, frescoes, Tacos on the road and more.

In giving the starting address for CSUF Business School graduates in 2024, Gonzalez recounted his family’s pursuit of the American dream.

After a devastating fire, he destroyed the Miguel Gonzalez shoe factory in La Elegance and store in Jalostitititlán, Mexico, in the mid -1960s, he emigrated to the US

In 1980, Elder Gonzalez bought a beverage store in Anaheim and turned 2,000 square meters into a neighborhood market.

Of the 53 Miguel Gonzalez grandchildren, 32 work in the family business.

Joshua Gonzalez continues to support CSUF students and the largest community.

He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board on the College of Business and Economy and is included in the Association of Alumni.

The Gonzalez-Reynoso Foundation of Northgate supports associates and communities to attend education through annual scholarships.

In 2024, the Foundation provided more than $ 250,000 on scholarships.

Through its umbrella program, Viva La Salud, Northgate Market addresses food uncertainties and health and health challenges throughout southern California.

Through donations and sponsorships, Viva La Salud has given more than $ 1 million to schools, churches, nonprofits and other programs and provided about $ 450,000 in food distribution, holiday food coupons and other initiatives during the holiday season.

In celebrating the anniversary of the Northgate Market service 2024 recently held, some of the company’s long -term employees said the family -owned chain makes them feel part of the family.

“All of us here are a clear example that we are happy and comfortable,” said Cesar Perez, a 25-year-old employee. “Really really thanks to them because they see us as a family.”

Jose Roman Salgado, a 35-year-old employee, said the owners are “very kind and thoughtful with us”.

“This is what kept me here,” Salgado said. “We as an employee are more motivated to work and take care of each other.”