About The Sykes Company
In partnership with the region’s top growers, we bring you fresh, high-quality produce with unmatched flavor and care.
Our Story
Founded in 1978 in Nogales, Arizona, The Sykes Company has deep roots in the Sonoran Desert. After serving in Vietnam, Bill Sykes pursued his master’s at Thunderbird School of Global Management, setting his sights on the burgeoning produce industry. A Nogales native from a family rooted in Mexican cattle ranching, Bill held a profound appreciation for the desert landscape and its potential.
Bill Sykes (second from left) with grower-partners, including Agustín Baranzini (right), circa 1990.
Back then, produce wasn’t palletized—orders were loaded box-by-box onto trucks or rail, a daunting task as demand for year-round fresh produce surged!
Bill met the Baranzini family, then regional grape growers, forming a partnership that established The Sykes Company as a top distributor of regionally grown grapes.
As the produce industry evolved with new varieties and shifting shopper preferences, The Sykes Company proactively adapted, embracing new varieties, certifications, and other differentiators.
Today, as a multi-generational business specializing in watermelon and squash, The Sykes Company is still innovating. Bill’s daughter, Lesley Sykes, joined the team after working for over a decade in regional food systems and agricultural transparency initiatives, and together they’re shaping the future of fresh produce.
Meet Our Team
Lesley Sykes
President
Lesley leads our strategic vision, expanding The Sykes Company’s reach in the marketplace. She began her journey in produce right here in high school (her father, Bill, founded the company!) and later earned a Master’s from Tufts University in agriculture and environmental studies. Lesley brings valuable experience from her work at a food hub representing New England farms and her role at SCS Global Services, where she collaborated with international farms to spotlight their sustainability programs. Outside of work, Lesley is an outdoor enthusiast and avid traveler. Her favorite produce? Anything tropical!
Email Lesley: lesley@thesykesco.com
Bill Sykes
Founder & Vice President
Bill Sykes has built a distinguished career in produce, guiding The Sykes Company with thoughtful leadership as the industry evolved. Over the years, he’s handled a wide range of fruits and vegetables—from cucumbers and tomatoes to the watermelon and squash we proudly ship today. When he’s not at work, Bill enjoys golfing and taking in the beauty of the desert from his home in Tubac, Arizona. His favorite produce? Watermelon, naturally.
MiCHAEL “MIke” Annett
Sales
Since 2001, Mike has been a key force in our day-to-day sales and operations, bringing nearly 30 years of produce experience to the team. He began his career right here in Nogales, starting on the docks and working his way up to management. “Each day is different and a new challenge,” he says, capturing what he loves most about the industry. Outside of work, Mike is an accomplished youth soccer coach, now proudly coaching his grandson’s team. His must-have produce? Apples.
Email Mike: mike@thesykesco.com
Miguel “Mikey” Romero
Sales
The newest member of our team, Miguel brings over 15 years of experience in sales and quality control. “Every day brings a new challenge, and that’s what makes it exciting,” he says of his work in produce. Miguel’s family roots in the area date back to the early 1900s, when his grandfather established a dairy cattle ranch in Sonora that remains in the family today. Outside of work, Miguel enjoys time with his wife and two young children, all fans of watermelon and squash.
Email Miguel: miguel@thesykesco.com
Nora Iribe Alvarez
Office Manager
Nora keeps our office running seamlessly, drawing on two decades of administrative experience on both sides of the border. Raised in Nogales, Mexico, she and her husband also ran their own distribution business, giving her deep insight into the industry. Farming runs in her family—her grandfather and uncles established farms in Sinaloa that are still thriving today. Outside of work, Nora stays active with her two sons and is a dedicated community member. Her favorite fresh produce? Mangos and watermelon.
Email Nora: nora@thesykesco.com