DLJ Produce remembers leader Bill Coombs

October 19, 2026 — DLJ Produce BB #:149226 is mourning the loss of its partner and CEO, William “Bill” Matthew Coombs, who passed away Oct. 9 following a five-year battle with cancer.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Coombs was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his loving wife Patti, their 4 daughters: Amanda, Aimee, Courtney, Cristin and 3 grandchildren.

Coombs devoted more than 48 years to the fresh produce industry, building a career that spanned retail, wholesale and international trade and connected him with growers, shippers and retailer customers around the world.

He began working alongside his father before becoming a produce clerk at Smith’s Food & Drug Centers. He advanced through store management and supervisory positions into senior produce leadership, developing the experience and relationships that would shape his career. He completed his career as Divisional VP of Produce & Floral.

In 1996, Coombs joined DLJ Produce, transitioning into the role of managing partner and CEO. Under his leadership, the company grew into a national and international company, expanding through imports, exports and sales of domestically grown crops to market its brands around the world.

“Bill was a mentor, true friend and pioneer,” said Mike Asdoorian, Vice President of DLJ Produce. “The impact he made on not only the produce industry, but also his generosity with charity organizations, will leave a lifetime legacy. We will continue to carry the same passion, excitement and drive that Bill showed to me over the last 22 years as a guiding light.”

Throughout his career, Bill had a genuine passion for mentoring and supporting the next generation of young leaders in the produce industry. He played an instrumental role in shaping the careers of countless individuals, many of whom have gone on to become respected leaders throughout the industry.

His legacy lives on not only through DLJ Produce, but through the countless lives he touched, the careers he helped shape and the friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

In 2017, Coombs received the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Norman H. “Buz” Bolstad Produce Achievement Award, recognizing his service and contributions to the produce industry and the council. DLJ’s commercial achievements also included recognition as Winn-Dixie’s Fresh Supplier of the Year for its Razzle Dazzle grape program.

Giving back was an enduring part of Coombs’ life. He supported local and national organizations focused on cancer research, veterans outreach and addressing childhood food insecurity.

Bill was a prime example of giving back to the industry in and he strongly encouraged his company and all in his circle to give back to the industry that he so loved and appreciated. His commitment to veterans was also reflected in DLJ’s annual Razzle Dazzle Veterans Day promotion, which brings retail partners together to support veterans, service members and military families.

Bill was first and foremost a family man and took great pride in his family. He was truly loved and admired by all that knew him. He will be dearly missed by his family, the company he built and the industry.

About DLJ Produce
For 30 years, DLJ Produce has connected its grower community with retail and foodservice customers across the country. The full-service produce provider offers local sourcing and global importing, supported by cold storage, repacking, logistics and national distribution capabilities. DLJ Produce markets more than 300 conventional and organic fresh produce items, including its year-round Razzle Dazzle premium table grape brand. Visit dljproduce.com for more information.