History of the MJC Group

The history of the Manabe family in the Pajaro Valley began in the early 1900's when Mr. Shozo Manabe immigrated to the United States from the Fukuoka prefecture in Japan.  While taking up residence in the Watsonville area he was employed by the Rider family to work in the apple orchards.  Mrs. Rider noticed that Shozo was smaller in stature than the other hired help and moved him to become the 'house boy' for the family.  During this period, Mrs. Rider encouraged Shozo to purchase property to begin a farming operation of his own.  At this point in time, it was illegal for Japanese immigrants to own property.  However, it became clear that the Rider family was able to provide assistance to him to allow property to be purchased through a 'corporation'.  Thus, MF Farming Company was formed & incorporated in 1919.  The initial parcel of farmland was purchased at the end of Ford Street in Watsonville, CA.  Over the years, MF Farming Company continued to purchase additional parcels of farmland when available.  The farming operation grew to include approximately 350 acres that stretch from the city limits of Watsonville to Lee Road and out to the west.

MF Farming Company concentrated on growing row crop vegetables, primarily head lettuce.  The unique climate and rich soil of the Pajaro Valley allowed the farming operation to prosper.  During the 1930's, Shozo Manabe retired and transferred the farming operation to his three sons, Richard (Dick), Robert (Bob) and Suyeo (Soup).  Bob Manabe passed away in 1961.  The remaining brothers actively farmed the land into the 1980's.

In the 1980's, the farming operation was transferred to the next generation.  During this time, the changing economic conditions dictated that a new direction be found for the farming enterprise.  The decision was made to diversify the holdings of the corporation into activities other than farming.  The farm property was leased to other farmers and resources of the family were redirected into a new business platform.

Today, MF Farming company operates under the business name, The MJC Group and is under the direction of the 4th generation.  Over the last decade, the entity has transitioned into a full service real estate operating and investment management holding company.  Headquartered in Capitola, CA, The MJC Group manages a portfolio of real estate assets including office, industrial & multi-family apartment buildings in the Bay Area.  The company provides services in leasing, property management, land development, commercial & residential brokerage, acquisition and other areas of real estate.