Mark’s father, Keith, is still working, but has turned over most operations to Mark and his twin brother, Kevin. Mark handles all the orchard operations and Kevin runs their retail businesses, as well as handling all the fruit sales.
Both Mark and Kevin completed the tree fruit program in Wenatchee at the Wenatchee Valley College and got business degrees in 2005 from Central Washington University. They wanted to complete their education in Wenatchee (60 miles from Pateros) so they could still be involved in the orchard during their years in college.
Mark credits his father for his desire to follow in the family business. “Dad made it fun. We were allowed to help make decisions, even in high school,” he states. He also enjoys the flexibility of running his own business. He would definitely encourage his children to follow in the family business too, saying, “I hope we get four more generations in the business!”
