CHELAN, WA - As I sit down to the page laid out before me, I can hardly fathom how the next 30 years could possibly look as radical as the last three decades for our industry. The world has changed. Watching any mover and shaker—that helped foster that change—finish the chapter that is their produce career is bittersweet. It is even more so for one who has left an impression like Tim Evans, who will retire on December 11, 2020, after 33 years in produce, 16 of which he has spent calling Chelan Fresh home.

“Over the last 16 years, Tim’s leadership and industry knowledge were key to the incredible growth of Chelan Fresh as a company as well as its staff. Cool under pressure best describes Tim’s ability to successfully navigate the ever-changing fruit industry. He will be very much missed by the growers and customers he served as well as the colleagues he encouraged,” Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing, shared with me of working with Tim.

In 1988, Tim kicked off what would become a shining and productive career in the Washington fruit business. He started out on the transportation side and quickly gained the trust of the clients he called on. Always looking to challenge himself, Tim soon set his eyes on a path toward fruit sales. In 1992, he joined the Brewster Heights Packing (BHP) sales desk in Brewster, Washington, as a major new retailer was coming on the scene. Tim was one of the first to reach out and establish himself and BHP as a key vendor, helping him to grow and earn his way to Sales Manager for the company.

As Tim’s career strengthened, so did his position as an industry supporter. Mac shares that he has always been conscientious in his efforts to best serve Washington growers, leaving a unique mark on the culture of one of the largest U.S. fruit markets.

“Tim has always displayed a high level of professionalism combined with a genuine and sincere care for those around him,” Mac reflected.

As one of the original staff who started with Chelan Fresh in 2004, Tim once again found a new set of challenges. In those early days, Tim handled major U.S. retail accounts while directing the sales staff as Domestic Sales Manager. He was later promoted to Export Sales Manager and, in 2012, Tim assumed his present role as General Sales Manager.

And there he has remained, overseeing all aspects of domestic and export sales activity and playing a key role in the current success of Chelan Fresh and all it serves.

So, what is the newest challenge on the horizon for this adventurous maverick? Plenty, according to Mac.

“Tim and his wife Autumn plan to travel over the next few years and spend more time with their three grandchildren,” he shares. “We wish you well Mr. Evans—you’re a great friend.”

We at AndNowUKnow join the Chelan Fresh team and all those Tim has served and inspired over his successful career in wishing him heartfelt congratulations on this newest adventure!

Chelan Fresh