about us
Experienced sales & marketing leaders passionate about developing bold new & innovative programs to accelerate omnichannel growth. Enjoy working closely with others to turn challenges into opportunities by developing tactical action plans customized for the customer and the consumer. Specializing in unlocking opportunities for growth by thinking differently & creatively to develop disruptive sales & marketing programs that puts ideas into action.
WHY SUMMIT
With over 150 years of experience in consumer products, across numerous categories, with significant omnichannel achievement in Sales Growth, Customer Relations, Financial Management, Marketing, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning & Business Development.
We offer deep experience and diverse expertise to help companies navigate the fast-paced retail landscape with changing needs of customers & consumers across multiple categories and verticals.
Corporate training, team sports & family inspired our passion for developing creative sales & marketing programs & cultivating strong customer relationships based on trust, collaboration & true partnership.
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We remind each other, life is too short not to take chances and venture outside of your comfort zone to explore new opportunities, so here we go...
OUR TEAM
Charlie Rodes
Began CPG career with Kraft Foods right out of business school. Have worked for Kraft Foods, Coca Cola and Clorox over the last 28 years and have relocated 7 times. Have had full responsibilities for multiple classes of trade; Grocery, Club, Mass, Convenience and spent approx. 3 years running the Canadian Sales Organization for Clorox. Have successfully managed cross-functional teams of 5 to 100 with the last 10 years managing $1.7B business at Walmart, Inc.
Originally from the state of Florida but call Northwest Arkansas home. Avid sports enthusiast and anything outdoors.
Currently living in Northwest Arkansas, married for 20+ years and have two kids, Carley & Connor.
Chad Miller
Began CPG career with Newell Rubbermaid. After 17 years of sales & trade marketing experience, leading teams, managing full financials and relocating five times, shifted focus to the Toy industry. Eight years in Toys, six of those years at Hasbro running +$1B POS business, leading team of 20ppl, Sales, Marketing & Replenishment. Originally from Montana, received a full ride basketball scholarship to the University of Montana Western producing conference honors. Completed BA Liberal Studies at Thomas Edison State College. Aspiring to be a lifelong learner and have benefited from executive education at Wharton Business School and University of Chicago
Currently living in Northwest Arkansas, married for 20+ years and have three kids, Chelsi, Drew & Kate.
Stephanie Wilcox
Stephanie brings 18 years of retail analytics and planning experience to the team. She has spent her career working in various roles including demand planning, inventory supply, sales analytics and account management supporting accounts ranging from Big-Box and Grocery to Specialty and Online retailers. Her proven track record of success improving forecast accuracy, in-stocks & revenue/budget attainment stems from a creative problem-solving ability and strong data analytic skills. Outside work Stephanie enjoys travel, redecorating her home and spending time with her family in the Chicagoland area.
MiKE SCHMANDT
Mike’s 30+ years in CPG includes 25 years working with Walmart and Sam’s Club. He’s worked for large and small companies over that time span, growing businesses everywhere he’s been. He spent over 20 years with the Clorox Company, highlighted with leading the Sam’s Club team for 6 years and managing over $700M in sales to Walmart across 5 departments including Consumables, Dry Grocery, Hardware, and Outdoor Living.
Originally from St Louis, Mike attended the University of North Carolina. Mike and his wife of 33 years call Rogers, AR home. He has two grown children. He enjoys getting outdoors, especially cycling the area’s many trails.
Sarah Smith-Nobles
Originally from Bentonville, AR, Sarah began her career on the Walmart Electronics Buying Team and brings 20+ years of CPG experience to the team. She has experience across many categories within Walmart including pharmaceuticals, apparel, electronics, pets and over 15 years in the toy & games industry.
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Her knowledge of all aspects of Retail Link has allowed her to not only grow business through action-based analytics and reporting, but to also help companies thrive through maximizing Ecom business and mitigating supply chain issues and OTIF fines. Her in-depth knowledge of Walmart systems allows her to see programs through from initial quotes to optimizing ongoing replenishment.
Sarah has been married for 15 years and has 2 boys, ages 13 and 10. She enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and fostering rescue animals.
Marlene Stone
Marlene Brings 13+ years of CPG experience to the team. She has spent her career working across multiple categories such as beauty, impulse, and the adult beverage industry focusing on account management, business development, and sales analytics.
Originally from Germany, graduated from Middle Tennessee State as a student athlete with a BS in Industrial/Organization Psychology, Management. Was also a 4-year member of the Varsity Women’s Tennis Team. Marlene and her husband Jeff have been living in Northwest Arkansas for 15+years. They have two children, Tate, and Mia. Marlene enjoys the outdoors, traveling, sports, and is a health and wellness enthusiast.
Tristan Gilman
“With over 20 years of experience in the Consumer Goods industry, Tristan has played a key role in driving success for some of the world’s most recognized Brands, winning multiple industry awards for groundbreaking achievements in the eCommerce space. His expertise lies in OmniChannel Strategy, helping Brands of all sizes optimize their eCommerce sales while ensuring a seamless customer shopping experience in-stores and online.
Originally from Canada, Tristan earned his MBA in Toronto with a specialization in Strategy, focusing on methods to help brands thrive in competitive marketplaces.
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In his spare time, Tristan enjoys documentary films, hiking, and exploring the scenic trails of the Ozarks.”
