SKIDMORE - Key Persons


Aaron Zellner

Job Titles:
  • Inside Sales Representative
Aaron joined Skidmore in February 2022 as an Inside Sales Representative. Prior to joining us, he worked in the flavor industry for 6 years with Givaudan Flavors and Mane Inc. specializing in flavor creation and product development across all food segments, including alternative proteins, sweet goods, and beverage applications. Aaron is passionate about partnering with his customers to help overcome their commercialization and production obstacles to achieve their growth goals. He enjoys sourcing ingredients to advance product development projects faster and with cost-efficient solutions. He has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati and an AA in Business Foundations from University of Phoenix. During his free time, Aaron likes to play golf and volleyball. He also enjoys camping and always planning his next hiking trip out West!

Alex Strasser

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Representative
Alex joined our customer service team in September 2021. He has a plethora of work experiences ranging from automotive sales to entry level operations work. He came to us from a small business called HealthPro Brands, where he assisted the COO in managing freight. Alex has a passion for problem solving and is already building strong relationships with his customers. His positive attitude, ability to learn skills quickly, and willingness to take criticism allows him to excel in his role. Outside of work, he loves going on adventures with his fiancé and cheering on Notre Dame and the University of Cincinnati. He has a bachelor's degree from Northern Kentucky University in Business Administration.

Avery Smith

Job Titles:
  • Inside Sales Representative
Avery joined our sales team in November 2021. She has 2 ½ years of experience in the food industry and 3 years in meat quality research. Her favorite research projects included improving quality and safety via novel technologies. In her most recent position, she served in a product development role for further processed poultry products. There, she discovered a passion for problem solving and finding solutions to best fit each customer's unique needs. She is thrilled to find a home for that passion with Skidmore. She has BS degrees in Animal Sciences and Food Science from Auburn University and is in the process of completing a MS degree in Poultry Science/Food Science from Auburn. Her professional interests include diversifying her experience across product categories, especially emerging applications such as meat alternatives. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, hiking, training horses, board games, and being trained by her cats.

Ben Spain

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager

Bobbi McDowell

Job Titles:
  • Marketing Manager

Brittany Klimstra

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Brittany joined our sales team in 2017 covering the North & South Carolina territory. She's been supporting customers in the food ingredient business for 14 years. As a graduate of North Carolina State University's Food Science program and a member of IFT, she is an experienced veteran of the food industry. Brittany's goal with any customer is to be a resource to help them achieve faster route to market by bringing technically appropriate and cost effective solutions to any product development project. She looks forward to working with the diverse customer base in the Southeast. In her free time, she enjoys working the family farm with her husband and three small children along with cycling, gardening, and cooking.

Carleigh Henn

Job Titles:
  • Sales Support Specialist
Mike joined our sales team in March 2022. He's spent 27 years working in the food industry acquiring diversified experience selling specialty food ingredients, managing R&D development projects, and leading teams. He possesses technical expertise in plant-based food systems including plant-based meat and dairy applications, functional ingredients and process development. Greg has been in the food industry since 1990 with experience in technical service, R&D with packaging, meat processing and ingredient suppliers (domestic and international) and in sales. The technical service and R&D experience provided Greg with a diverse background in all aspects of the food industry. Prior to joining Skidmore in 2006, Greg worked as a Regional Account Manager with Solae. Greg has a Bachelor's in Animal Science from The Ohio State University, as well as a Master's in Meat Science from Iowa State University. Carleigh joined our team in August 2019. Prior to joining Skidmore, she assisted customers for 6 years working at a family owned restaurant. As a Document Administrator, she handled customer requests for product information. She was promoted to Sales Assistant in March 2021 and looking forward to continuing to learn as much as possible and will strive to become the "go to" person for general questions from customers, suppliers and co-workers. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Communications from the University of Cincinnati.

Chris Conn

Job Titles:
  • Regional Vice President of Sales

Chris Richardson

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Chris joined our sales team in July 2021 and has been in food ingredient sales and management since 1998. He brings extensive knowledge of commodity and functional ingredients, specifically dairy and plant proteins, emulsifiers, minerals, and sweeteners. Focusing on food, beverage, and nutrition, but with familiarity of all food grade industries. He helps food producers achieve their goals with supply and technical needs. As a longtime IFT member, his passion is a constant learning of food applications and using that to see his customers grow and succeed. Chris has a BS in Chemical Marketing from the University of Toledo. Outside of work, he enjoys being a single digit handicap golfer, traveling, trail biking, watching / coaching his kid's baseball / softball teams.

David Boburka

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Dave joined our sales team in November 2020. He has a Master's in Food Science from the University of Illinois and has acquired broad experience in the food industry over the past 33 years. He has established cross functional expertise working in multiple departments such as Research & Development (at Quaker and Unilever), Purchasing (at Unilever) and Sales (Specialty Minerals and now Skidmore) throughout his career. His energy, enthusiasm and solution mindset have earned him a strong reputation among his customers and colleagues. Having been on both sides of the negotiating table, he focuses on building strong, long-lasting customer relationships and achieving Win-Win outcomes. Dave's interests outside of work include running, bike riding, traveling with his wife and taking walks with his Chocolate English lab, Chance.

Dennis Purcell - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Human Resources Officer

Derek Christiansen

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Derek rejoined our sales team in July 2016 after previously working with us from 2009 - 2012. He's been in the food industry since 2003 working in R&D and 10 years in technical sales. He was a Technical Account Manager for a seasoning & technology company prior to rejoining Skidmore. Derek has a Bachelor's in Meat Science from the University of Wisconsin. He enjoys working closely with customers to meet and solve their needs using his strong technical background and processing knowledge. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and spending time on his hobby farm.

Devon Pence

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager

Don Stetzenbach

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Don joined our Sales team in 2014. His extensive background includes sales, marketing, technical support, R&D and management, as well as dairy and probiotic fermentation R&D and Natural Color Product Management. The majority of his career has been in functional food ingredient sales, representing industry-leading companies such as Central Soya, Chr. Hansen, Danisco, and Symrise. Don has a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin. His interests outside of work include golfing, biking and being involved with his children's sports and hobbies.

Doug Skidmore - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • in 1990 As a Marketing Manager
Doug Skidmore, the son of our founder Jerry Skidmore, has served as company President since 1994, taking over as Chief Executive Officer nine years later. Doug joined Skidmore in 1990 as a Marketing Manager after several years with IBM. Prior to IBM, Doug worked for Intellitech, and spent three years with Procter & Gamble's Food Process and Product Development Lab as an engineer. Doug is a graduate of the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he received an MBA in Management. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.

Eric Eldridge

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Team Leader

Gary Griner

Job Titles:
  • Supplier Relations Specialist
Gary joined Skidmore in July of 2021. His main responsibilities are supplier relationship management, material pricing, and contract management. He brings with him over 17 years of product development and strategic sourcing experience in the food and beverage industry. Gary graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in Chemistry Gary and his wife, Emily have 3 boys. They all enjoy playing sports, traveling, and cooking meals together.

Glenn DeMeritt

Job Titles:
  • Key Account Manager

Greg Williams

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Greg has been in the food industry since 1990 with experience in technical service, R&D with packaging, meat processing and ingredient suppliers (domestic and international) and in sales. The technical service and R&D experience provided Greg with a diverse background in all aspects of the food industry. Prior to joining Skidmore in 2006, Greg worked as a Regional Account Manager with Solae. Greg has a Bachelor's in Animal Science from The Ohio State University, as well as a Master's in Meat Science from Iowa State University.

Howard Wright

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager

Jazzmine Scott

Job Titles:
  • Sales Support Specialist
Sarah joined our sales team in March 2022. She's spent the last 15+ years in the food industry as a food scientist developing products, working in ingredient applications and technical sales, and managing a R&D team. She enjoys supporting teams in solving technical challenges. Sarah has a Bachelor's in Food Science from the University of Kentucky along with a Master's and PhD in Food Science from Cornell University. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family doing outdoor activities like cycling and golf. Jazzmine joined our team in July 2021. Prior to Skidmore, she worked in Human Resources for 6 years and has 8 years' experience in the food industry as a restaurant associate. She's responsible for providing customers with pricing, samples, and product information. She is committed to enhancing the overall customer experience. Jazzmine has a Bachelor's in Communications from Miami University. Outside of work, she enjoys nature and spending time with family and friends. Don joined our Sales team in 2014. His extensive background includes sales, marketing, technical support, R&D and management, as well as dairy and probiotic fermentation R&D and Natural Color Product Management. The majority of his career has been in functional food ingredient sales, representing industry-leading companies such as Central Soya, Chr. Hansen, Danisco, and Symrise. Don has a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin. His interests outside of work include golfing, biking and being involved with his children's sports and hobbies.

Jeanne Regan

Job Titles:
  • Document Administrator
Jeanne joined our team in August 2021. Her background includes a combined 25 years working in Human Resources and Client Services for a Massachusetts real estate attorney as well as a Cincinnati Tax/Accounting firm. She has four children and three grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, refinishing old furniture, and hanging out with her stubborn Pekingese, Lee.

Jenny Parks

Job Titles:
  • Sales Support Specialist
Roger has been active in the food industry since 1985 and has been with Skidmore since 2007. His experience includes positions in Quality Control, Research and Development, Marketing/Guidance Research, Marketing and International Business Development. He's excited to assist his customers in solving formulation and processing challenges, and works with them to offer multiple solutions. His knowledge of ingredients in formulations assists his customers in new product development. Roger's interests include playing piano, spending time with his wife and two daughters, exploring new restaurants and visiting the north Georgia mountains. Jenny has been a part of the Skidmore team since 1994. She started as a sample coordinator and assistant to the Vice President of Sales. After 6 years of service, she left to raise her 2 boys. She returned to the team in 2007 once her children reached school age. She's responsible for processing sample requests, quoting ingredients and managing pricing and contact databases. Outside or work, she enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends. Chris joined our sales team in July 2021 and has been in food ingredient sales and management since 1998. He brings extensive knowledge of commodity and functional ingredients, specifically dairy and plant proteins, emulsifiers, minerals, and sweeteners. Focusing on food, beverage, and nutrition, but with familiarity of all food grade industries. He helps food producers achieve their goals with supply and technical needs. As a longtime IFT member, his passion is a constant learning of food applications and using that to see his customers grow and succeed. Chris has a BS in Chemical Marketing from the University of Toledo. Outside of work, he enjoys being a single digit handicap golfer, traveling, trail biking, watching / coaching his kid's baseball / softball teams.

Jerry Skidmore

Job Titles:
  • Company President

Jessica Allen - CIO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Information Officer

Joe Wuest

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Manager

Jordan Pearman

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Supply Chain
Jordan joined our team in 2021 after more than a decade in food ingredient manufacturing. His leadership experience spans Operations, Commercial, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement roles. Prior to working in the food industry, he spent 10 years in engineering and construction management.

Kent Heiden - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • Enterprises in 2020 As President
Kent joined Skidmore Enterprises in 2020 as President of Essex Food Ingredients. Prior to joining Essex, he had long career in a variety of distribution roles including top leadership positions in supply chain, sales, operations, quality management and 10 years as President/CEO. Kent moved to President of Skidmore Sales in March 2022. He is a passionate team builder and believes every associate plays a critical role to business success! Kent enjoys working with staff members to create improved systems and processes that drive employee engagement, satisfy customer requirements, and enhance company profitability. Kent holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administrative Management from the University of Cincinnati. He and his wife, Mary Beth have two grown sons and five grandchildren. Outside of work, Kent enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.

Kim Duncan

Job Titles:
  • Sales Support Specialist
Kim has been with Skidmore since 2014. As a Sales Assistant, she finds the job very rewarding. Her duties include requesting product samples, providing pricing and documentation to customers. She brings a sense of urgency to her work, ensuring customers get what they need in a timely manner. Married since 1993 and the mother of two girls, Kim spends most of her free time on the soccer and football field cheering on her daughter. Dave joined our sales team in November 2020. He has a Master's in Food Science from the University of Illinois and has acquired broad experience in the food industry over the past 33 years. He has established cross functional expertise working in multiple departments such as Research & Development (at Quaker and Unilever), Purchasing (at Unilever) and Sales (Specialty Minerals and now Skidmore) throughout his career. His energy, enthusiasm and solution mindset have earned him a strong reputation among his customers and colleagues. Having been on both sides of the negotiating table, he focuses on building strong, long-lasting customer relationships and achieving Win-Win outcomes. Dave's interests outside of work include running, bike riding, traveling with his wife and taking walks with his Chocolate English lab, Chance. Ben started with Skidmore in 2020 as an Inside Sales Representative and was promoted to Regional Sales Manager in January 2022 covering the Chicago area. He previously worked for Givaudan Flavors and has 5 years experience in regulatory documentation as well as a technical background working with savory and sweet ingredients. He's passionate about food, from the science behind it all the way to the end product. He has a thirst for knowledge and is always trying to learn something new. Ben has a BS in Food and Nutrition from the University of Cincinnati. He also has a Culinary Arts degree from Cincinnati State.

Lorrie Ray

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist

Marlene Hastings

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Representative

Matt Landy

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Representative
Matt joined Skidmore in 2015 in our blending operation and was promoted to customer service in 2018. He processes orders for customers and provides updates on shipping status, pricing and any additional information needed. He wins customer loyalty by building strong relationships and resolving complex issues. Communicating with customers and providing them with peace of mind is what he likes the most about his job. Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects around their house. He loves to vacation in Rainbow City, Alabama.

Mike Finfrock

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Before joining Skidmore, he started his career in product development at Worthington Foods (now the Kellogg Company). He continued his career with The Solae Company, MGP Ingredients, DSM Food Specialties, and Avebe. Mike is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BS in Food Science & Nutrition. He's also a member of the Institute of Food Technology, The Ohio State Alumni Association, Optimist Club International, and a board member of his Homeowners Association. When he's not working, he enjoys spending time on the farm with his family, traveling abroad, and attending state and local county fairs.

Nate Tanamachi

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Representative

Nick Sharp

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Representative

Phil Ganson

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Representative

Roger McGranahan

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Roger has been active in the food industry since 1985 and has been with Skidmore since 2007. His experience includes positions in Quality Control, Research and Development, Marketing/Guidance Research, Marketing and International Business Development. He's excited to assist his customers in solving formulation and processing challenges, and works with them to offer multiple solutions. His knowledge of ingredients in formulations assists his customers in new product development. Roger's interests include playing piano, spending time with his wife and two daughters, exploring new restaurants and visiting the north Georgia mountains.

Sarah Wood

Job Titles:
  • Regional Sales Manager
Sarah joined our sales team in March 2022. She's spent the last 15+ years in the food industry as a food scientist developing products, working in ingredient applications and technical sales, and managing a R&D team. She enjoys supporting teams in solving technical challenges. Sarah has a Bachelor's in Food Science from the University of Kentucky along with a Master's and PhD in Food Science from Cornell University. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family doing outdoor activities like cycling and golf.

Shannon Habermehl

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Executive Assistant
  • in 1995 As Our Receptionist
Shannon joined Skidmore in 1995 as our Receptionist. She was quickly promoted to Operations & Accounting Assistant a year later and then moved into the Sales Associate role in 1997 where she spent 8 years working with 6 different sales territories. She's been in her current position as Executive Assistant to our CEO, President and V.P. of Supply Chain since 2005. She also handled our Inside Sales accounts for 5 years. Shannon's vast knowledge of our business in operations, sales and logistics along with her relationship with our top customers, has made her a valuable part of our team. Kent joined Skidmore Enterprises in 2020 as President of Essex Food Ingredients. Prior to joining Essex, he had long career in a variety of distribution roles including top leadership positions in supply chain, sales, operations, quality management and 10 years as President/CEO. Kent moved to President of Skidmore Sales in March 2022. He is a passionate team builder and believes every associate plays a critical role to business success! Kent enjoys working with staff members to create improved systems and processes that drive employee engagement, satisfy customer requirements, and enhance company profitability. Kent holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administrative Management from the University of Cincinnati. He and his wife, Mary Beth have two grown sons and five grandchildren. Outside of work, Kent enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf. Jordan joined our team in 2021 after more than a decade in food ingredient manufacturing. His leadership experience spans Operations, Commercial, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement roles. Prior to working in the food industry, he spent 10 years in engineering and construction management. Doug Skidmore, the son of our founder Jerry Skidmore, has served as company President since 1994, taking over as Chief Executive Officer nine years later. Doug joined Skidmore in 1990 as a Marketing Manager after several years with IBM. Prior to IBM, Doug worked for Intellitech, and spent three years with Procter & Gamble's Food Process and Product Development Lab as an engineer. Doug is a graduate of the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he received an MBA in Management. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.

Stephanie Ochsenhirt

Job Titles:
  • Sales Support Specialist
Stephanie joined our sister company, Processor's Choice in Alabama in 2014 as a Sales Assistant. She's originally from the Cincinnati area and moved back to be close to her family and joined our Skidmore team in July 2021. She's a link between customers and other departments. She provides our customers samples, technical documents, pricing, and other information. Stephanie graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Derek rejoined our sales team in July 2016 after previously working with us from 2009 - 2012. He's been in the food industry since 2003 working in R&D and 10 years in technical sales. He was a Technical Account Manager for a seasoning & technology company prior to rejoining Skidmore. Derek has a Bachelor's in Meat Science from the University of Wisconsin. He enjoys working closely with customers to meet and solve their needs using his strong technical background and processing knowledge. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and spending time on his hobby farm. Brittany joined our sales team in 2017 covering the North & South Carolina territory. She's been supporting customers in the food ingredient business for 14 years. As a graduate of North Carolina State University's Food Science program and a member of IFT, she is an experienced veteran of the food industry. Brittany's goal with any customer is to be a resource to help them achieve faster route to market by bringing technically appropriate and cost effective solutions to any product development project. She looks forward to working with the diverse customer base in the Southeast. In her free time, she enjoys working the family farm with her husband and three small children along with cycling, gardening, and cooking.

Steve Ogle

Job Titles:
  • Regional Vice President of Sales

Tess Jones

Job Titles:
  • Inside Sales Representative

Theo Holmes

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service Representative
Theo joined our team in August of 2019. Prior to joining Skidmore, he assisted customers at The Container Store. His role is to handle customer accounts and enter orders for customers. Theo prides himself in building strong relationships with customers and working with an amazing team of people. He has a degree in Supply Chain Management from Purdue University. He enjoys playing video games, watching football, and spending time with his family.

Tim Horgan

Job Titles:
  • Inside Sales Representative