This October marks not only the start of Starr Ranch Growers Harvest Season but also brings the announcement of the retirement of long time Director of Marketing, Scott Marboe.
For 35 years Scott Marboe has been an intricate part of the team that helped steer Starr Ranch into the company it is today. His contributions within Starr Ranch and a variety of industry organizations like PMA and Pear Bureau Northwest will always be valued and remembered. His hard work, commitment and dedication are worthy of admiration. From the early days of sales to his role as Director of Marketing Scott’s biggest trait was his larger than life personality which lead to many long-lasting relationships throughout the produce industry.
Several of Starr Ranch Grower’s long-standing customers (both domestic and internationally) were part of his strong standing partnerships. One of those is Bill Price VP of Fresh Sales and Marketing, Associated Food Stores – “Scott Marboe’s passion and commitment to all he served in the produce industry is immeasurable. He cares deeply for the success and personal wellbeing of every grower, packer, distributor and retailer he came to know. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have worked together with him for more than two and a half decades. I will miss his energy, creativity and love for the produce game.”
Denise Dryzga Category Manager at Hannaford writes, “Scott has a wealth of knowledge on apples, pears and cherries. When I first came into the produce world, Scott helped me on my first cherry deal, I was only a week on the desk! Scott helped me to navigate the deal, it was fast and furious but very rewarding. Our cherry business has grown as well as apples and pears. Scott and others at Starr Ranch are great partners.”
While Scott’s presence and leadership has been felt by employees, growers and customers, it is perhaps the most fitting legacy that he leaves Starr Ranch with another generation of the Marboe family engaged in the business he holds so dear. His son Mike Marboe carries the family name forward with Starr Ranch as one of the top account managers in the company. “It’s an honor to fill the large shoes he has left behind. I have learned a lot from my dad on the business side of life, but nothing compares to the life lessons he has taught me throughout the years. If I could leave half the legacy, he has when I am 30 years deep into Starr Ranch, I will have succeeded.”
While we will never be able to fully summarize the impact Scott has had on both the company and industry at large, Owner and President Jim Thomas would like to “wish Scott all the best in his next adventures in life and say thank you for all his hard work and dedication throughout his years at Starr. They say, retirement is the longest coffee break in your life, and we hope his cup is overflowing with health and happiness for years to come.”
