Coastal Fresh Family
A team that stands in the industry with great reputations, honesty, and the best service, in addition to years of experience and a deep understanding of the produce industry.
Len Cole – President/CEO
Len is an accomplished industry professional with over 30 years of experience and a Business degree from USC. Originally from Salinas, he began his career in sales and management with prominent grower-shippers in the Salinas Valley. Len’s career journey then took him to the Coachella Valley, where he further honed his expertise in produce marketing while working with a leading grape and citrus producer. Later, in Ventura County, Len served as Vice President at a major vegetable grower-shipper-importer, a role he excelled in for 12 years. In 2008, Len founded his own company, driven by a deep commitment to the industry and a wealth of hands-on knowledge.
email:[email protected]
Matt Gillio – Partner & Director of U.S. Operations
A graduate of Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo with a degree in Crop Science and a minor in vegetable production, Matt brings 20 years of experience in the produce industry. He also brings his knowledge of crop production, including best practices for planting, growing, harvesting and packing.
email:[email protected]
Dave Marotta – Sales
Dave, a Southern California native and the first employee of Coastal Fresh Farms, has been with the company since 2008. With a deep understanding of the produce industry, Dave has been instrumental in driving Coastal Fresh Farms’ growth and success over the years. He manages daily sales operations and harvest scheduling, ensuring smooth and efficient service to meet the needs of our clients.
Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Dave plays a crucial role in product innovation, working to maintain the quality of existing offerings while developing new products that align with industry trends and customer demands.
His dedication, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence have made him a valuable asset to Coastal Fresh Farms and a respected figure in the produce community.
email: [email protected]
Jennifer Vallejos – Administrative Assistant
Jennifer, a graduate of Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, holds a degree in Agribusiness Marketing and began her journey in the produce industry in 1995. Raised in the heart of California’s Salinas Valley, she has a deep-rooted connection to agriculture and brings extensive experience from her work with grower-shipper operations in both the Salinas and Oxnard regions. Since joining Coastal Fresh Farms in 2009, Jennifer has contributed her expertise in accounting and sales, along with overseeing key administrative functions, to support the company’s growth and success.
email:[email protected]
Luis Salazar – Director of International Operations and Food Safety
An Iowa State University graduate, Luis has more than 15 years experience working in Mexico for U.S. grower-shippers in the areas of sourcing, quality and food safety. With the increasing demands of the produce industry, Luis also continued his education attending UC Davis extension courses in postharvest technology and food safety. Prior to joining the fresh vegetable business, he developed expertise in agricultural trade and financing working for Banco Nacional de Mexico.
email: [email protected]
Spencer Osborne – Sales
Spencer, a Louisville, KY native, brings over 30 years of expertise in the produce industry, with a distinguished career across every facet of the supply chain. Starting as a produce manager and later advancing to store director, Spencer quickly demonstrated his passion for fresh food and exceptional service. This dedication led him to join Fleming Foods, where he collaborated with both regional and national retail chains throughout the Southeast.
A pivotal visit to California’s agricultural heartlands inspired Spencer to move West nearly a decade ago, where he continued his journey with leading wholesale foodservice distribution companies. His roles have spanned Retail Sales Management, Business Development, Vice President of Purchasing, and Vice President of Operations. Most recently, Spencer has served as Director of Sales for a prominent Grower/Shipper, providing strategic guidance and support to customers across North America.
email:[email protected]
Dennis Nakaba- Sales
With over many years of experience in farming and agricultural production, Dennis brings invaluable expertise to our team. Having owned and operated his own successful farming and produce business for many years, he joined Coastal Fresh Farms as he transitions into a new chapter, still dedicated to the industry he calls home. Dennis is admired and beloved by his customers, who appreciate his passion and commitment. Outside of farming, he also pursues a career as a model, adding a unique dimension to his already impressive skill set.
email:[email protected]
Maryam Nikkhah-
Sales & Marketing
Maryam is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in sales and marketing. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a BS in Geology. Her journey into the produce industry began unexpectedly in 2001, and she’s been captivated ever since.Maryam has managed accounts in food services, retail, and food distribution, building lasting relationships throughout the industry. Her expertise in sales has helped her foster strong connections and drive successful partnerships. Alongside her work in produce, Maryam has built a parallel career as a professional photographer and videographer, which has strengthened her unique presence in the field. She joined Coastal Fresh in 2021, bringing her passion and expertise to the team
email:.[email protected]
Adam Cole-
Sales
Adam graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from California Lutheran University in 2019. He spent over three years as a software engineer, traveling internationally to working as a software engineer in the defense sector, supporting manned and unmanned aircraft. In 2024, he joined Coastal Fresh, the family business his father established, where he combines his technical expertise with a passion for continuing his father’s legacy—a journey that inspires him every day as he embarks on this new chapter.
email: [email protected]
