Giannini’s parents were Italian immigrants who had first come to the US in 1849 in response to the California Gold Rush. In 1872, the family moved to a 40-acre farm where they grew fruits and vegetables to sell. Giannini went to Heald College, but decided that he would have more success in business than finishing school. So he dropped out in 1885 and got a full-time job as a produce broker. Giannini had significant success there and continued to thrive working as a commission merchant and produce dealer for several farms in the Santa Clara Valley. Giannini retired from the produce business when he was 31, selling his interest to his employees. He then worked administering his father-in-law’s estate. This included working as director of the Columbus Savings and Loan. In that role, Giannini saw a chance to help the growing immigrant population that didn’t have a bank. The bank’s other directors didn’t agree with him and he chose to quit the board and start his own bank.