Industry veteran Monty Robison — whose fresh fruit career spanned more than four decades in Arizona and California — unexpectedly passed away October 2, 2022 at the age of 58. Robison spent the past 10 years of his career with Dayka & Hackett LLC in Reedley, CA serving in various senior marketing and category management roles.
“Monty touched and influenced many different people and we will miss him in many ways,” Dayka & Hackett CEO Tim Dayka said. “He was a dear friend with one of the kindest souls I have had the privilege to know.”
Born and raised in Firebaugh, California, Robison’s exposure to fresh produce began at a young age. He grew up overseeing harvest crews for his family’s melon crops before owning his own labor contracting business at the age of 18. Simultaneously, Robison also served as the night shift plant manager for his family’s packing operations. Outside of the melon fields, Robison had a passion for Future Farmers of America (FFA), in which he competed in both livestock showing and judging.
Robison later attended Central Wyoming College before transferring to California State University, Chico in pursuit of an education in Agricultural Business Operations. While at Central Wyoming College, he was able to continue his love for livestock showing and judging as a member of the collegiate team.
In 1991, Robison was hired as a Quality Control Inspector for American Stores (now part of Albertsons). Within three months, he was promoted to a Produce Buyer. Robison would go on to serve in various buying capacities of fresh fruit and produce items for the next 22 years with this group.
In June of 2013, Robison joined the Dayka & Hackett LLC team. His roles included Sales Representative, Category Manager for California Tree Fruit, Category Manager for West Coast Import Grapes, and Category Manager for California Kiwi.
“Monty had a diverse set of experiences in fresh fruit and he was one of those rare individuals who succeeded every step of the way,” Dayka said. “He witnessed and participated in the evolution of our industry while leading and mentoring those around him.”
Monty Robison is survived by his mother, son, brothers, and his love of the Buffalo Bills.
