Bob Shipley, a native Arizonan, founded Shipley Sales in 1957 in Nogales, Arizona. He had attended college at Arizona State University and was drafted during the Korean War, serving two years on active duty and returning home with an honorable discharge. Today, the family-owned and operated business has become a leading grower, marketer, and worldwide shipper of melons, grapes and asparagus from Mexico, with the main office in Nogales and production and warehouse facilities throughout Mexico.

In the 1960s, Bob's brother, Gary (1941-1980), moved to Nogales and worked with Bob to expand the business in the states of Sonora, Nayarit and Sinaloa. In 1980, Bob’s son, Lee, completed his degree in plant science from the University of Arizona and moved to Mexico to take charge of production. Three years later, Bob’s second son, Reed, became involved in sales and logistics after graduating with a degree in marketing from the Sioux Falls College. Once the three daughters, Karen, Vicki, and Mary joined in, the company became a true family business collaboration.

Since the company's early days, Bob has taken a progressive approach in an ever-changing industry. He was the first to grow zucchini squash from northwestern Mexico and import to the U.S. by straight truck and rail. He was also among the first to sell vegetables with individual decals in branded boxes, and developed a business around supplying other producers in the U.S. and Mexico with them. And, he was the first to produce and perfect the seedless watermelon commercially through a business arrangement (and lifelong friendship) with plant geneticist, Dr. OJ Eigsti. 

Bob's family continues to find new products and ways to service customers worldwide, providing them with high quality fruits and vegetables.

Photos from left to right:

Agnes Eigsti, Bob Shipley, Dr. OJ Eigsti, and Kay Shipley.
The original Shipley Sales logo, still in use today, was created in 1957 by Walt Ditzen, author of the daily sports cartoon, "FANFARE."
Bob Shipley at work, mid-70s.