“We’re excited to welcome Dashan to the Stemilt team,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt. “He’ll be stepping into the role currently held by our esteemed senior merchandising manager, Tim Harrington, who is retiring in 2026 after more than 16 remarkable years with us. While we’ll deeply miss Tim and the impact he’s made, we’re equally enthusiastic about the expertise Dashan brings from his keen insight into the retail landscape to his passion for fresh produce and natural talent for growing connections. We’re confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to our retail partners and their shoppers.”
Dookhu joins Stemilt with over 36 years of experience, having held roles with notable retailers including ShopRite and Whole Foods Market. Known for his energy and creativity, Dookhu is poised to be a key player in expanding Stemilt’s presence and enhancing the shopper experience in produce departments across his territory. Based just outside Queens, New York, Dashan brings a strong local connection to one of Stemilt’s main market locations.
“What I’ve always loved about this industry is the people,” said Dookhu. “Meeting them, training them, and watching them grow is the most rewarding experience. Having spent lots of time in the produce and floral world, I understand what resonates in produce departments. I’ve lived it, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running with our partners across the East Coast.”
Stemilt’s merchandising program is a cornerstone of its retail support strategy, designed to help retail partners grow the category with premium fruit and effective in-store execution. With dedicated experts like Dashan on the ground, Stemilt continues to elevate the shopper’s experience and drive results at the store level.
"I see this role as more than just merchandising,” added Doohku. “It’s about inspiring confidence, building trust, and helping our retail partners succeed. Whether I’m setting up a promotion or walking a store floor, I’m focused on bringing energy, ideas, and a deep understanding of what drives results in produce."
