INFB has an independent streak, and so does our team!
Executive Team
National Accounts
Brenda Steele
Owner / Brand Manager for Natural Food and CBD Clients
Key Account Manager: Whole Foods National and Regional RM, SW, SoCA and PNW; Sprouts; Natural Grocers (NGVC)
Brenda is the owner and Brand Manager for INFB. She's worked in the natural foods industry for over two decades; from managing a small natural food store in the mid-nineties, to bookkeeping and marketing for Wild Oats, to running her own demo company, to learning the food broker business in the early 2000's, until finally deciding to open her own brokerage firm in 2008.
EMAIL: [email protected]
Phone: (303) 523-0095
Address: 8805 W 14th Ave, Suite #140, Lakewood, CO 80215
EMAIL: [email protected]
Phone: (303) 523-0095
Address: 8805 W 14th Ave, Suite #140, Lakewood, CO 80215
Sherry Erickson
Key Account Manager: Safeway Divisions SoCa, Denver, SW (AZ), Portland, Seattle
Sherry Erickson’s career began in the motion picture industry in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She worked in various capacities from Location Manager to Producer for over 20 feature
films and hundreds of commercials.
When her children’s needs began to supersede all else, she turned her attention to sales of
natural products, an industry where she would thrive. Following her strong belief in
plants as medicine and healthy living, she inserted herself into furthering the growth of
the Natural Products Industry, launching and representing some of the natural channel’s
finest brands.
Over the next fifteen years she managed a brokerage in the Rocky Mountain territory, furthering growth in the health food retail markets, as well as the mass/crossover and natural pharmacy markets. Erickson has worked as an industry consultant, formulator and international broker for natural wellness products and raw materials sourcing before moving into National Sales Management in 2017, where she currently thrives at placing
products into natural and conventional channels.
EMAIL: [email protected]
She worked in various capacities from Location Manager to Producer for over 20 feature
films and hundreds of commercials.
When her children’s needs began to supersede all else, she turned her attention to sales of
natural products, an industry where she would thrive. Following her strong belief in
plants as medicine and healthy living, she inserted herself into furthering the growth of
the Natural Products Industry, launching and representing some of the natural channel’s
finest brands.
Over the next fifteen years she managed a brokerage in the Rocky Mountain territory, furthering growth in the health food retail markets, as well as the mass/crossover and natural pharmacy markets. Erickson has worked as an industry consultant, formulator and international broker for natural wellness products and raw materials sourcing before moving into National Sales Management in 2017, where she currently thrives at placing
products into natural and conventional channels.
EMAIL: [email protected]
Executive Team
Regional Accounts, Rocky Mountain
Pending
UT Key Acct Manager: AFS, Good Earth
Executive Team
Regional Accounts, South West
Jen Taylor
Key Acct Manager: HERG, Reasor's, Homeland, Pruett's Uptown Grocery, GreenAcres Market, Brookshire Grocery, Vitamins Plus, Central Market, HEB, Rouse's
SW Sales Team Manager
Jen's curiosity about the natural products industry began when she was growing up in Oregon. In college, she studied health and science, which fueled her curiosity further. Personal health struggles encouraged her to dive into a natural lifestyle which included using food medicinally, healing with natural remedies/treatments, and working towards overall wellness.
Professional experience began in 2011 while managing a health food store in Wyoming. Jen spent several years as a buyer before transitioning to a broker in 2015 when she moved to Oklahoma. Natural choices came full circle in 2016 when Jen became a mother of an allergy child. This has continued to fuel her thirst for quality products.
EMAIL: J[email protected]
Professional experience began in 2011 while managing a health food store in Wyoming. Jen spent several years as a buyer before transitioning to a broker in 2015 when she moved to Oklahoma. Natural choices came full circle in 2016 when Jen became a mother of an allergy child. This has continued to fuel her thirst for quality products.
EMAIL: J[email protected]
Executive Team
Regional Accounts, SoCA
Gwen Hill
Key Account Manager: Mother's Market, Clark's, Jensens
SoCA Sales Team Manager
SoCA Retail Sales Manager, Orange County, Los Angeles
Gwen Hill is a sales and management professional with over 20
years of in-depth knowledge of the health /nutrition industry. A
demonstrated leader with a track record of delivering consistent
revenue streams and outperforming sales goals, Gwen is energetic,
creative, and a proven performer committed to continued
excellence.
As a strong believer in health and wellness, Gwen is passionate
about selling and promoting products that enhance your wellbeing.
EMAIL: gwen.hill@naturalfoodbroker.com
years of in-depth knowledge of the health /nutrition industry. A
demonstrated leader with a track record of delivering consistent
revenue streams and outperforming sales goals, Gwen is energetic,
creative, and a proven performer committed to continued
excellence.
As a strong believer in health and wellness, Gwen is passionate
about selling and promoting products that enhance your wellbeing.
EMAIL: gwen.hill@naturalfoodbroker.com
Brenda Steele
Key Acct Manager: Lassens, Bristol Farms, Gelson's, Lazy Acres, Erewhon, SoCA
SoCA Retail Sales Manager, West Los Angeles, Orange County
See Bio and Picture Above
Patti Francis
Key Acct Manager: Frazier Farms, Jimbo's
SoCA Retail Sales Manager, San Diego
Patti grew up in Southern California and went to San Diego State. From there she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, She still lives in Southern California with her two dogs and Partner Brian. .Her experience includes a position as a salesperson with Halshan Raw Food where she was introduced and sparked her interest in natural products. She has also worked at Danone Speciality Sales and was awarded the Award of Excellence in 2020. Her territory included Orange County San Diego .
EMAIL: patti.francis@naturalfoodbroker.com
EMAIL: patti.francis@naturalfoodbroker.com
Executive Team
Regional Accounts, Pacific Northwest
Em Florence
Key Acct Manager: New Seasons Markets, Market of Choice, Sherm's, C&K, PCC, Metropolitan Market, Haggen's, Yoke's, Rosauer's/Huckleberry's, ION PNW
I was born and raised in Chicago and moved to Portland, OR in 2016. I’m a certified nutritional therapist and have a passion for natural health. In my free time, I love to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest, study the healing arts, kayak, and go axe throwing.
EMAIL: em.florence@naturalfoodbroker.com
Executive Team
Regional Accounts, Northern California
Pending
Key Account Manager: Drager's, Mollie Stone's, Piazza's, Oliver's, Berkley Bowl, Nugget Market
Executive Team
Regional Accounts, Midwest
Pending
Key Account Manager: Meiher, Jewel, Hy-Vee, Buehler's, Fairway, Busches, Coburns, Constentinos, Festival Foods, Hornbachers, Minors, Pete's, Schnuck's
INFB Sales and Rep Team
Rocky Mountain, CO
Noah Steele
Rep Team Lead
CO Retail Sales Manager
Born and raised in Denver CO, I have always had a passion for fitness and eating right. I believe health is 20% about what you do with your body and 80% about the food you put in it. I grew up around the natural food industry and worked in it professionally on and off for over 3 years. I enjoy traveling with friends and family, reading development books, learning new skills, and taking hikes. I am passionate and intentional about my growth as a communicator and a leader -- always ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to rise to the occasion!
EMAIL: noah.steele@naturalfoodbroker.com
Luane Abend
CO North Side Promo and New Item Checks, CO Office Manager / Sales Team support
Luane Abend's experience includes 20+ years in the Natural Products business, in retail management and outside sales. In her positions she has honed client management and customer service skills, with a focus on utilizing education as a means to increase sales, product awareness and brand loyalty.
Luane also enjoys container gardening, walking and hiking, reading, jewelry making and spending time with her young grandchildren.
EMAIL: [email protected]
Rocky Mountain, UT
Pending
UT Retail Sales Manager
Rocky Mountain, NM
Jolene Gallegos
NM Retail Sales Manager
I have been excited about the Natural Products Industry ever since my late 20's when working at a hospital and frequenting the neighboring Health Food Store after work.. During this time I was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr, which is a long term viral condition, leaving my body depleted, and run down. In time, it was suggested I meet with a holistic physician who placed me on supplements, herbs and a diet change. Within a few months, my health and wellbeing increased, and I was convinced this was working. I made a huge life change to get a job at a health Foods store. I dug into research on any, and all books about natural healing and healing food diets. I soon worked as a manager at Wild Oats and after six years, began working as a Vitamin Rep. I was hired to open territory in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with a national vitamin company and soon expanded my account, adding new lines, and started my own broker company. The broker company was a sixteen year success! While on the east coast, I attended the Natural School of Gourmet in NYC to further my education with natural foods and culinary. I have now been with INFB for seven years, (taking a short hiatus), and now back working with some amazing brands. I am passionate from head to toe, and enjoy working with buyers, learning new products and educating customers about clean, healthy living. I am excited to be back with INFB working as a Regional Sales Manager supporting the New Mexico territory accounts.
EMAIL: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected]
Southwest Region, KS
Pending
OK/KS Retail Sales Manager
Southwest Region, OK
Jen Taylor (see picture and bio above)
SW Sales Team Manager / OK Retail Sales Manager
Southwest Region, TX
Pending
TX Retail Sales Manager
Southwest Region, AR
PENDING
AR Retail Sales Manager
Southern Pacific, AZ & NV
Jodie Rivers
AZ & NV Retail Sales Manager
I became intrigued by nutrition at a young age. I learned of the direct correlation between the foods we eat and our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. My knowledge and passion led me to study nutrition at Worcester State University where I obtained a BS in Health Science. I enjoy hiking, working out, juicing, and eating at healthy restaurants. I have worked in the natural products industry for most of my career and am excited to be a part of INFB.
EMAIL: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected]
Southern Pacific, SoCA
Gwen Hill (see picture and bio above)
REP: All retailers
SoCA Retail Sales Manager, Orange County, Los Angeles
Patti Francis (see picture and bio above)
REP: All retailers
SoCA Retail Sales Manager, San Diego
Pacific Northwest, OR
Erick Cruz
WA and Remote Retail Sales Manager
Erick has over 8 years of experience in the natural products industry. He discovered natural, nutrient dense, organic food in college and he instantly knew this was going to be a big part of his life. He eventually became a campus Food Co-op VP which lead to him get a job as a Nutrition Educator. A year later, he started working with CPG companies in the natural foods channel - it was inevitable, with all the time he spent at grocery stores admiring the endless effort and creativity of the brands on shelf! He has worked as a Brand Ambassador, Field Sales Manager, Account Executive and Inside Sales Representative with brands like R.E.B.B.L, Perfect Bar, Beckon Ice Cream, Organic Traditions and many more.
EMAIL: [email protected]
Devin Roane
OR Retail Sales Manager
Natural foods changed my life. With deep respect for the natural world, love and health remain the top values to my being. Persistent in becoming my best self, natural foods have guided me to have an open minded perspective and to always seek the the truth. Eliminating the suffering of animals is necessary for the long term wellbeing of our planet. I am excited and humbled to be a part of the INFB team and continue my evolution.
EMAIL: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected]
Adminstrative Team, NIFs and Promotional Forms
Emily Evans-Rice
Administrative Lead
National Retailer Promos & NIF Submissions: Whole Foods, Safeway, Sprouts
National Distributor Promos, NGVC, Pharmaca
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Emily is a mother, wife, marathon runner, volleyball player and avid traveler. She attended California State University Los Angeles where she graduated with a Business Administration degree in 2010.
After living in Los Angeles for five years, she returned home to Denver and took a job working in the collateral department for a large corporation.
She is now eager to learn all she can about the natural food business and is excited to be working with the entire INFB team.
EMAIL: [email protected]
After living in Los Angeles for five years, she returned home to Denver and took a job working in the collateral department for a large corporation.
She is now eager to learn all she can about the natural food business and is excited to be working with the entire INFB team.
EMAIL: [email protected]
Janessa Stevens
Accounting
SoCA Office Manager
Over the last 10 years Janessa has gained experience in the accounting/finance Industry with a vast array of clients. She was introduced to the natural food industry 3 years ago. Life changing! Two beautiful children keep Janessa busy. They enjoy a healthy home cooked meals as a family as often as possible!
EMAIL: janessa.stevens@naturalfoodbroker.com
Accounting
SoCA Office Manager
Over the last 10 years Janessa has gained experience in the accounting/finance Industry with a vast array of clients. She was introduced to the natural food industry 3 years ago. Life changing! Two beautiful children keep Janessa busy. They enjoy a healthy home cooked meals as a family as often as possible!
EMAIL: janessa.stevens@naturalfoodbroker.com
Melliessa Bayes
RM Administrative Assistant
RM Regional Retailer Promos and NIF Submissions: Harmon's, Good Earth, AFS, ION RM, Cid's
I was introduced to the natural & organic market through doing demo's for INFB's Vendors. I have learned a lot about health and caring for our planet. I find myself a convert to living a more natural life, doing my part to help the planet. I am detail oriented, experienced in data entry and enjoying working as an Admin Team Member!
EMAIL: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected]
Lindsey Rhodes
SW Administrative Assistant
SW Regional Retailer Promos and NIF Submissions: Central Market, HEB, Green Acres, Akin's (HERG), Rouse's, Reasor's, Homeland, Vitamins Plus, Pruett's/Uptown
Being born and raised in Colorado I love the mountains and enjoy spending time outdoors camping, boating and spending time with my dogs and other animals as I am an avid animal lover. I am a new mom to a handsome little boy. My husband and I love to travel and we hope to travel more in the future. A number of years ago I began seeing a chiropractor where I was introduced into healthier living and eating. I’m excited to work for this company and learn more about natural foods.
EMAIL: lindsey.rhodes@naturalfoodbroker.com
Collete Dye
SoCA/AZ Administrative Assistant
SoCA/AZ Regional Retailer Promos and NIF Submissions: Gelson's, Bristol Farms, Erewhon, Lazy Acres, Lassens, Mother's Market, Jimbo's, Clarks, Jensens, Basha's, AJ's
I lived in California for most of my life and just moved to Texas 4 years ago with my husband so
that we could be closer to our daughter and granddaughter. Now that we have another one due
in March, it couldn’t be any better!
I have been in retail for over 25 years and 2 years of that as a General Merchandise Manager.
Great customer service is always my main priority.
I am excited to be with INFB and to see what the future holds!
EMAIL: colette.dye@naturalfoodbroker.com
Em Florence (see bio and picture above)
PNW Administrative Assistant: All Retailers
PNW Regional Retailer Promos and NIF Submissions: New Seasons Markets, Market of Choice, Sherm's, C&K, PCC, Metropolitan Market, Haggen's, Yoke's, Rosauer's/Huckleberry's, ION PNW
Adminstrative Team, Distributor Work
Lindsey Rhodes (See bio and picture above)
UNFI & KEHE: Distributor NIFs, Turnover Submissions, and UNFI Stock
Melliessa Bayes (See bio and picture above)
Client Onboarding and Data Updates, KEHE Updates and Stock Levels
Administrative Team, Internal Work
Janessa Stevens (See bio and picture above)
Accounting Department, SoCA Office Manager
Luane Abend (See bio and picture above)
CO Office Manager / Sales Team support, Demos and Sample Coordination
Hazel Allison
Vendor Letter, All Stores List, Principle Lists, Website Administrator, PA/Internal Docs
Raised in Denver by health-conscious doctors, Hazel grew up eating exclusively organic, healthy fare. As an adult, she is now rediscovering her love of good food through a new passion for baking with fresh, natural ingredients. Hazel is also employed with a local gardening crew during the growing season.
EMAIL: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected]
