Heartland Produce Announces the Retirement of Vice President and Co-Owner Bud Compher

Kenosha, WI — Heartland Produce Company proudly announces the retirement of Bud Compher, Vice President and Co-Owner, marking the close of an extraordinary career in the produce industry spanning more than five decades.

Bud’s journey in produce began in the 1970s, working summers at Dietz and Gaglione where he learned the watermelon business from the ground up. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, he worked on Chicago’s historic South Water Market with Dietz and Kolodenko Company and Strube Celery and Vegetable, primarily in sales roles. He later continued his sales career with Freeport Produce in the late 1980s.

In 1989, Bud co-founded Heartland Produce in Elgin, Illinois, helping build the foundation of what would become a trusted, relationship-driven produce company serving customers across the Midwest. In 1994, Heartland relocated to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where Bud continued to play a key leadership role in the company’s growth, culture, and long-standing customer relationships.

Bud’s career in produce was deeply rooted in family tradition. His grandfather, Robert H. Dietz, worked on South Water Market and farmed vegetables in Caledonia, Wisconsin. His uncles—William Dietz Sr., Matt Dietz, and Bob Dietz—were also part of the industry, as was his father, Bud Compher, who worked at Holiday Specialties in Chicago during the 1960s. This generational connection shaped Bud’s passion for produce and his commitment to doing business the right way.

Throughout his career, Bud was known for his leadership, deep product knowledge, steady presence, and unwavering commitment to selflessly serving customers. His passion for the produce business and for the people he worked with will be greatly missed by coworkers, customers, and partners alike.

“Bud’s leadership and passion for the produce business will be greatly missed,” said Ryan Dietz, President of Heartland Produce. “We are better people and a better company because of Bud’s presence and mentorship.”

As Heartland moves forward, the company’s leadership team—William Dietz Sr., Chief Executive Officer; Ryan Dietz, President; and Nico Berlen, Vice President—will continue to lead Heartland Produce with the same dedication, integrity, and passion for serving customers that has defined the company since its founding.

As he enters retirement, Bud looks forward to spending more time with family and enjoying life at his homes in Wisconsin and Florida. Heartland Produce extends its sincere gratitude to Bud for his many years of dedication and leadership, and wishes him all the best in a well-earned retirement.

About Heartland Produce Company
Heartland Produce Company is a family-owned and operated wholesale produce distributor headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Founded in 1989, Heartland is built on strong relationships, a passion for fresh produce, and a commitment to selflessly serving customers across the Midwest. The company prides itself on delivering consistently fresh, high-quality produce while staying true to its values of excellence, consistency, and keeping it real.