This is a busy time of year for Frank E. Plant III. But if you are able to catch him for a few minutes, you might have what could be called a “fruitful” discussion. That’s what is on his mind right now: bananas, oranges and avocados.

Plant, 38, is manager of operations at SDRS Harborside, a cold storage business at the Port of San Diego, where supplies are preserved between unloading from incoming ships and delivery to sales destinations.

“It’s a different business for San Diego in that we have a global focus,” says Plant, 39. “It’s a good fit for us because shipping has been dominated by Los Angeles.”

During peak seasons, especially in July and August, Plant can expect arrivals of 40,000 tons of Australian oranges and the same amount of avocados from Chile. Work continues 24 hours a day until a ship is unloaded. The fresh foods are stored in a 300,000-square-foot area that is divided into 15 rooms and refrigerated at 38 degrees.

The cold storage business was started in 1980 by his father, Edward F. Plant, who still manages sites in National City and Visalia. During the slow season, Plant has 10 to 12 regular employees. During peak times, his workforce swells to between 50 and 60.

Plant, a native San Diegan, graduated from Monte Vista High School and University of San Diego. He lives with his wife, Marci, and their boxer dog. He is past president of the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, South Pacific Chapter. In 2002, he received a recognition award from the World Trade Organization for bringing business to San Diego.

— Sandy Pasqua