Two longtime executives begin new roles at Stemilt Growers

Two longtime executives with Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers have taken new roles.

As part of a strategic plan, Mike Taylor, vice president of sales and marketing, has been promoted to senior vice president of business development strategy; Tate Mathison, director of sales, will become vice president of sales and marketing, according to a news release.

“It’s with great pleasure that we congratulate Mike and Tate on their new roles,” Stemilt Growers President West Mathison said in the release. “This has been a long time coming and part of a larger plan around business growth and enhancing the customer and consumer experience with Stemilt World Famous Fruit. We’re excited to see Mike and Tate bring their individual skills to both the orchard and sales sides of the business and are confident both areas will benefit from their leadership.”

As senior vice president of business development strategy, Taylor will oversee Stemilt’s orchard management business, Stemilt Ag Services, and the in-house research and development team, according to the release. He will steward existing and foster new relationships on the farming and breeding sides of the business, with a focus on long-range plans for new varieties and orchard development, the release said.

Tate Mathison will step into the role of vice president of sales and marketing where he will 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, according to the release. Both Taylor and Tate Mathison will continue their roles on the executive leadership team and be instrumental in developing future leaders at Stemilt, the release said.

“Mike has worked closely with the sales team and retail customers promoting Stemilt fruits in stores nationwide for 29 years,” West Mathison said. “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.”

Taylor joined Stemilt in 1994 as a sales assistant and rose quickly up the ranks to become a sales representative in 1995, director of sales in 2000, and vice president of sales and marketing in 2006, the release said. Taylor and his family are also key growers at Stemilt and own Taylor Orchards, which grows fresh pears in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys.

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“Not only is Mike a passionate businessman, but he also knows the ins and outs of growing fruit for flavor and freshness,” West Mathison said. “His experience in the industry has led him to be a strong mentor to Tate over the years, poising Tate for success in his role now.”

Tate Mathison’s journey at Stemilt started at age 6 when he delivered cookies and coffee at his family orchard, the release said. He was involved in various farm jobs throughout his childhood and teenage life before going on to study business at Pacific Lutheran University.

After earning a degree, Mathison relocated to Los Angeles and gained experience outside of the family business by working at Dole, the release said. He began as a technical service representative and was promoted to tropical sales manager before leaving to join Stemilt’s sales team in 2007. In his 16 years at Stemilt, Mathison has led value-added programs, served as an account rep for national and regional customers, directed the sales team and personnel, and played a significant role in bringing new varieties and branded fruits to market, according to the release.

“I’m excited about the evolution that is happening for Mike and Tate and how their knowledge will open opportunities within Stemilt’s teams and propel our current systems and processes into the future,” West Mathison said. “Their leadership will help us continue to build meaningful relationships with people throughout the supply chain as we continue to work hard each day to cultivate people and delight consumers through excellence.”