WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt knows that in order to bring its World Famous Fruit to market, it needs a world-famous team. I would argue the supplier has found just that in long-time employees Mike Taylor and Tate Mathison. The two vets are transitioning to new roles; Taylor has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, while Mathison will become Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Taylor will now oversee Stemilt’s orchard management business, Ag Services, and in-house research and development team. He will foster existing and new relationships on the farming and breeding sides, with a focus on long-range plans for new varieties and orchard development.
According to a press release, Taylor joined Stemilt in 1994 as a Sales Assistant and rose quickly as a Sales Representative in 1995, Director of Sales in 2000, and VP of Sales and Marketing in 2006. Taylor and his family are also key growers at Stemilt and Taylor Orchards, which grows pears in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys of Washington.
West Mathison, President, commented on Taylor’s appointment.
“Mike has worked closely with the sales team and retail customers promoting Stemilt fruits in stores nationwide for 29 years,” said West Mathison. “He has overseen steep growth in Stemilt’s sales volume and marketing activities since 2006. He is a true visionary, and we look forward to seeing his ideas in action in another part of the business that will gain from his expertise.”
Tate Mathison will now oversee the sales and marketing departments and team leads, improve systems and processes, and develop sales strategies and business plans to foster growth at Stemilt.
His journey at Stemilt started at age six when he delivered cookies and coffee at his family orchard. He was involved in various farm jobs before going on to earn his degree. Mathison then relocated to Los Angeles, California, and gained experience by working at Dole. He began as a Technical Service Representative and was promoted to Tropical Sales Manager before joining Stemilt in 2007. Mathison has led value-added programs, served as an account rep for national and regional customers, and directed the sales team and personnel.
For more comments from West Mathison, check out the press release here.
Congratulations to the newly promoted leaders!
