Editor’s note: On Friday, June 20, The Business Journal revealed its honorees for the fifth-annual Family Owned Business Awards, highlighting some of the Valley’s most well-known and longstanding family-owned businesses. Three of the nine honorees will be recognized as the top family-owned businesses at The Business Journal’s awards event on August 19. Click here for tickets to the event.

 

Nichols Farms: Pistachio leaders with a green vision

 

By: Frank Lopez

Fourth-generation pistachio farm and processor Nichols Farms in Hanford is an honoree for the 2025 Family Owned Business Awards.

Founded by Graydon and Virginia Nichols in 1961, Nichols Farms grows, processes, packages and markets the highest quality pistachios to retailers and families across the nation.

Recently, the farm’s organic pistachios have emerged as their singular product with a line of dry-roasted flavored varieties, including hot honey, habanero lime, maple butter and rosemary garlic.

Three generations of families have worked at the company, including the current generation —Jeff Nichols, who manages the processing plant, and James Nichols, who oversees farming operations.

Nichols Farms has overcome several obstacles, including severe drought years and stringent water regulations. Instead of scaling back operations, the leadership team made strategic investments in more efficient irrigation systems and regenerative farming practices to ensure long-term sustainability.

For its processing operations, the company has invested heavily in technology and automation to address rising labor, infrastructure and utility costs.

The company has a goal to maintain its annual growth rate of 8% driven by continued expansion and strong operational execution.

However, the main vision of Nichols Farms is to stay true to being “the company everyone wants to be a part of” by fostering a culture where employees, customers, and partners feel valued and supported.

“Jeff and James are truly honored to be honorees for this award! As fourth generation leaders, they’re proud to carry on the legacy of Nichols Farms, where family values and quality go hand in hand,” said Christine Trageser, senior brand manager.

 

Selma Auto Mall: Powering Selma’s economic engine

 

By: Dylan Gonzales

Established in 1989, the Selma Auto Mall has grown from a single Chevrolet dealership to a multi-brand retailer with 11 car franchises in five California cities: Selma, Hanford, Visalia, Elk Grove and Monterey.

Selma Auto Mall is an honoree for The Business Journal’s 2025 Family Owned Business Award.

Dwight G. Nelson, a third-generation general contractor, founded the company. The company expanded by gaining approval from several manufacturers to become a principal dealer.

Selma Auto Mall currently employs 273 people at its Selma location and 443 across all of its dealerships. The business offers a wide range of vehicles, including brands such as Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Jaguar and Volvo.

The dealership is also known for its unique customer experience, featuring a replica steam locomotive and onsite amenities like a hotel, restaurant and gas station.

The Nelson family continues to manage the business with three family members currently employed — Dwight, Amber and Kellie Lewison — focusing on succession planning and leadership development. Selma Auto Mall also plays an active role in the community through monetary and in-kind contributions to local nonprofit organizations and youth programs.

Going forward, the company is focused on meeting state and manufacturer requirements for electric vehicle infrastructure and maintaining customer service standards

“Selma Auto Mall is the largest generator of sales tax for the City of Selma,” it wrote in the FOBA application. “Even though Dwight Nelson does not hold any official position with the City of Selma, he plays an active role in trying to improve the community and stimulate growth for the business community and residents of Selma.”

 

Toca Madera Winery: Whelan family pours with purpose

 

By: Dylan Gonzales

Toca Madera Winery, a family-owned boutique vineyard in Madera County, has been named an honoree in The Business Journal’s 2025 Family Owned Business Awards.

Founded in 2014 by Walt and Carol Whelan, the winery has grown into a well-known producer of estate-grown wines, earning recognition for its quality and community involvement. It is a 50% Latino-owned business.

The business includes two generations, with Walt and Carol joined by their children, Isabel and Brian Whelan.

Several of their wines have earned 90-plus point ratings from Wine Enthusiast, and Toca Madera was recently named The Business Journal’s 2024 Best Local Vintner.

The company’s offerings extend beyond wine. Toca Madera hosts concerts, weddings and community events, while also donating to local causes through fundraisers and partnerships. Its Wildlife Conservation Series, produced in collaboration with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, donates a portion of proceeds to conservation efforts.

The winery also has strong ties to Fresno State’s enology program, employing students and donating grape varietals for educational use.

Over the next few years, the company hopes to grow its Wine Club, continue promoting and showcasing local artists and musicians, and host fundraisers for community charities.

Its primary focus for the upcoming year is expanding event offerings and corporate use of its winery space. Overcoming the misconception that Central Valley wines can’t match Napa’s quality remains a key challenge.

“We will continue to have an active involvement in the Madera Vintner’s Association and the events they sponsor,” the Whelans wrote in their FOBA application. “We will continue to produce delicious wine enjoyed by our customers in our beautiful backyard setting.”