Mark Kristen

CEO

 

Education:

How did you get to KDC?

• I can remember working in the bottle sorting area as young as five years old.  I took over the family business after my father's health began to fail, that was more than 30 years ago.  This is a fun business and I am proud to have my sons come aboard to continue the Kristen Distributing Company mission.
• Number of years as KDC CEO: 31

Current Job Duties

• Strategic operations planning, financial oversight, and personnel management.

Mark is exceptionally proud of:

• Member of ATO fraternity, Member of Texas Cowboys, 2 time President of the North American Red Deer Farm Association, past consultant for the Department of Interior to Hungary, member of the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas Board of Directors.

 

BOB GAY

Vice President

 

Education:

• Westchester High School
• Graduate of the University of Texas class of 1977.  Awarded a Bachelor of Science in Advertising.

How did you get to KDC?

• In 1988 I sat down for an interview with Mark Kristen.  He un-propped his boots from the desk and told me to jump in the truck to go out to his deer farm.  We quickly discovered a common belief, "If we can state the problem, we can find a path to resolution.”  It was an uncommon interview that marked the beginning of a great friendship and business relationship.
• Number of years in the business: 30
• Number of years at KDC: 20

Current Job Duties

• Maintains current knowledge of contracts and regulations, establishes competitive pricing, coaches and mentors KDC sales team, coordinates routing, organizes supplier meetings, and establishes supplier performance standards.

Bob is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 2 great children.
• Achievements: Coached and played hockey for 37 years, incorporated the Houston Hockey Association, served as Vice-Chairman Bellville Chamber of Commerce, served on Miller Distributor Council

Randy Brinkman

Manager

 

Education:

• Caldwell High School

How did you get to KDC?

• I started as a Route Assistant May 5, 1986 in what was then Brazos Beverage.  I served in multiple capacities for Brazos Beverage and under Mr. Kristen's management continued as Operations Manager.
• Number of years in the business: 24
• Number of years at KDC: 24

Current Job Duties

• Orders and forecasts for entire KDC portfolio, oversees daily operations including fleet and warehouse, dispatches long haul trucks, interviews and hires new employees.

Randy is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 3 great children.
• Randy is one of 2 Coors Brewing Company "Beer Master" certificate holders at KDC.  He was part of the 2001-2002 KDC team awarded the Coors Brewing Company President's award and Founder's Award.  Randy is an active member of the Lutheran Church and involved in the Burleson County Fair Association.  He is lovingly known as the Warden at KDC and has been happily married for more than 20 years.

Kevin Prejean

On-Premise Sales Manager

 

Education:

• Bryan High School
• Attended Texas A&M University

How did you get to KDC?

• September 30, 1985 was my first day at Brazos Beverage; I was hired as a part-time route assistant.  Back then we were only selling Miller Brewing Company brands, today I manage the on-premise team and represent 37 suppliers with more than 200 brands.  
• Number of years in the business: 25
• Number of years at KDC: 25

Current Job Duties

• Manages company operations relative to on premise sales, ensures proper representation of our entire portfolio in the on-premise, oversees presales, merchandising, training, development, and special events.

Kevin is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 2 great children.
• Kevin's on-premise team has the most current training and specializes in draft beer dispensing.  Mastering these advanced skills is critical to KDC's ability to dominate the draft market in BCS.  Kevin offers draft beer training sessions to on-premise retailers interested in maximizing profits, customer retention and customer satisfaction.  Kevin has been happily married for 9 years. 

 

Jody Giese

Northern Region Sales Supervisor

 

Education:

• Brenham High School
• Attended Blinn College in Brenham.  Jody's studies focused on Business Administration. 

How did you get to KDC?

• I was employed by Brazos Beverages in July of 1994 as a Merchandiser.  I served for several years as a Sales Supervisor for Austin, Waller, Washington, and Burleson Counties.  My new role as Northern Region Sales Supervisor allows me to cover Madison, Robertson, and Leon Counties.  I'm enjoying the new territory and the new people I'm meeting.   
• Number of years in the business: 28
• Number of years at KDC: 16

Current Job Duties

• Supervises sales, manages and executes Special Events in Madison, Robertson, and Leon Counties, trains new employees, manages inventory, supervises rotation, oversees presales, manage merchandisers, and mentors KDC's stellar sales staff.

Jody is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 3 great children.
• Jody is one of only 2 Coors Brewing Company "Beer Master" Certificate holders at KDC.  He was a proud part of the 2001 KDC team that was awarded the Coors Brewing Company President's award and the 2002 Founder's Award.  Jody is a Dallas Cowboys and Aggie Football fan.

Ivan Bryand

On-Premise Supervisor

 

Education:

• Bryan High School

How did you get to KDC?

• I graduated from Bryan High in 1987 and got into the beer business as fast as I could.  I began in 1989 as a keg route helper and have enjoyed working with Kevin Prejean and the rest of the Kristen Distributing team for more than 20 years. 
• Number of years in the business: 21
• Number of years at KDC: 21

Current Job Duties

• Supervises on-premise employees, supervises operations relevant to on premise sales, ensures representation of portfolio in draft accounts, manages BCS draft system maintenance, pre-sells, merchandises, mentors on-premise sales staff, responsible for on-premise customer service, and executes BCS special events.

Ivan is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 1 great child.
• Ivan has daughter who is very involved in sports, you can find him at every practice and game.  He is a diehard Aggie and Cowboys fan.  Around the office Ivan is known as a dedicated employee, but he is never too busy to flash that signature smile.

Mike Baker

Chain Account Manager 

Education:

• A&M Consolidated High School
• Attended Texas A&M University.

How did you get to KDC?

• I began in the Beer Industry November 1998 with Silver Eagle Distributors of Houston.  I was hired as a merchandiser and quickly moved up the ranks.  When the opportunity to work for Kristen Distributing as a Keg route driver arose, I returned to College Station in 2005.  Hard work provided speedy ascension to Supervisor, then to Chain Account Manager.  I continue to strive to make Kristen Distributing number one.  I love being in the beer business.  
• Number of years in the business: 21
• Number of years at KDC: 5

Current Job Duties

• Trains new employees, manages inventory, rotation, supervises presales, supervises merchandising, and mentors KDC's stellar sales staff.

Mike is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 1 great child.
• While at Texas A&M Mike was a member of the National Champion Judo Team.  He spends his spare time with his son and lovely new wife, they love to fish, hunt, and travel.  Mike spends a lot of time attending Texas A&M sporting events.

 

Cody Fritsch

Southern Region Beer Supervisor

 

Education:

• Fayetteville High School
• Graduate of Blinn College.  Awarded an Associates Degree.

How did you get to KDC?

• I started working at KDC in 2002 after being in the construction business for 7 years.  I was hired as a route assistant then moved to route driver, then account manager, now I am the Sales Supervisor for 4 counties: Grimes, Waller, Washington, and Austin County the birthplace of KDC.
• Number of years in the business: 9
• Number of years at KDC: 9

Current Job Duties

• Manages and executes County Fairs and Special Events in Austin, Waller, Washington and Burleson Counties, trains new employees, manages inventory, supervises rotation, oversees presales, manage merchandisers, and mentors KDC's stellar sales staff.

Cody is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 2 great children.
• Cody enjoys being in the market, meeting new people, and building lasting business and personal relationships.  Cody and his wife welcomed their first child in 2009, and their second in 2011.  He loves the County Fairs and special events that go on constantly in his area and would love to buy you a beer if you are anywhere south of the Brazos River looking to unwind.

John Holland

Temple Red Bull Location Manager

 

Education:

• Killeen High School
• Attended Texas A&M University.

How did you get to KDC?

• I have 20 years of sales experience primarily in insurance sales.  My time with Kristen Distributing has been an exciting and rewarding learning experience and I look forward to many more years of the same.
• Number of years in the business: 6
• Number of years at KDC: 6

Current Job Duties

• Manages inventory, places orders, oversees daily operations of Temple/Waco warehouse, interviews and hires new employees, opens new accts, places Point of Sale, follows up on leads for non-traditional accts.

John is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 2 great children.
• John has been married for 13 years and is a very proud father.  He spends free time with his family and watching NASCAR.  John's team was integral in catapulting KDC into the national spotlight by achieving superior sales standards for Nestle Waters of North America.  His team cemented KDC's award for Distributor of the year for 2009.

Adam Winkelmann

Non- Alcohol Division Manager

 

Education:

• Angleton High School

• Attended Stephen F. Austin College.  Adam’s studies were based in Business Administration.

How did you get to KDC?

• I spent 5 years with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department before moving into the beverage industry.  I signed on with Coca-Cola in 1998.  After climbing the corporate ladder transferring to various locations in the state I saw what I knew would be a fantastic opportunity at Kristen Distributing.  I joined the KDC team as the Non-Alcoholic Division Manager in 2008.
• Number of years in the business: 14
• Number of years at KDC: 3

Current Job Duties

• Coordinates all non-alcoholic supplier communications and programs, mentors non-alcoholic sales team, oversees Bryan and Temple locations, responsible for new product introduction and inventory management.

Adam is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 3 great children.
• Adam was awarded Salesman of the year in 2009 by Nestle Waters of North America.  He is a dedicated salesman who encourages his team to win through persistence and service.  In his spare time Adam hunts, fishes and plays with his children. 

 

Dale Smith

Sales Manager- Non-Alcohol Division

 

Education:

• Edinburg High School
• Graduate of Texas A&M University, Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 1999.  Awarded a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.

How did you get to KDC?

• I have been in the beverage industry for 8 years.  I started as a merchandiser with Coca-Cola, moved to driver and have spent the last 7 years as a Sales Account Manager.  I joined KDC in 2008 when I saw an opportunity to further my career in a booming beverage category.  I joined KDC with a burning desire to provide world class customer service.
• Number of years in the business: 10
• Number of years at KDC: 3

Current Job Duties

• Communicates non-alcoholic supplier programs to sales team, mentors non-alcoholic sales and merchandising staff, attains and maintains non-traditional accounts in the Brazos Valley.

Dale is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 1 great child.
• Dale's team was integral in catapulting KDC into the national spotlight by achieving superior sales standards for Nestle Waters of North America.  His team cemented KDC's award for Distributor of the year for 2009.  Dale is happily married and enjoys being outdoors and playing sports. 

Eric Ogletree

In-Town Sales Supervisor

 

Education:

• Klein High School

• Attended Blinn College.  Eric's studies focused on Business Administration.

How did you get to KDC?

• I have been in the beverage industry for more than 20 years.  I spent almost 12 years with Coca Cola.  My last 8 years have been with Miller affiliated businesses.  I have done everything from merchandising, driving, sales, to being in a supervisor.  I believe this company has a tremendous future in store, and I am glad to be a part of it.
• Number of years in the business: 22
• Number of years at KDC: 3

Current Job Duties

• Trains new employees, manages inventory, supervises rotation, oversees presales, coordinates merchandisers, and mentors KDC's stellar sales staff.

Eric is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 4 great children.
• Eric comes to KDC as a decorated sales supervisor from the Houston area.  In 2009 he purchased a Harley Davidson and enjoys riding on weekends.  Eric is a sports fan; football and baseball being his favorites.  He plays in a hardball league in BCS and is thrilled to be back in Brazos County. 

Daniel Acevedo

Large Format Store Supervisor

 

Education:

• Bryan High School
• Attended Blinn College.

How did you get to KDC?

• I started in the grocery business in 1994 with Appletree Markets.  I moved on to Albertson's in 1996 where I worked for 8 yrs as frozen food and dairy department manager and finally ending as the receiving manager.  I came to KDC in November of 2004 and started as an account manager in the large format stores.  I was promoted to Large Format Supervisor for Brazos County in May 2008.
• Number of years in the business: 16
• Number of years at KDC: 6

Current Job Duties

• Oversees 3 salesmen, 1 driver, and 8 merchandisers, ensures daily execution of merchandising, rotation, distribution, pricing, and displays.

Daniel is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 1 great child.
• Daniel has been happily married since 2004.  He and his wife welcomed their first child in 2010.  Daniel enjoys his job and his sales team and it shows.  When he has free time he is with family and friends, enjoying a full bodied beer, and cooking outside.  Daniel is an avid softball player who also loves fishing, and wing shooting.

Jacob Kristen

Off-Premise Analyst

 

Education:

• Bellville High School

• Graduate of Texas A&M University, Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2006.  Awarded a Bachelor of Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture Leadership and Development.

• Attended a 1 year Bible College.

How did you get to KDC?

• I'm the oldest Kristen child and the 4th generation of family leadership here at KDC.  I've been involved in the family business for as long as I can remember.  I have done just about everything in the company from route assistant to warehouse operations.  I am now the off-premise analyst and reset captain.
• Number of years in the business: 21
• Number of years at KDC: 21

Current Job Duties

• Maintains records of cold boxes in KDC territory, coordinates with management and sales staff to execute cold box resets, follow-ups on sales progress and builds strong relationships with account owners.

Jacob is exceptionally proud of:

• Jacob has been certified by MillerCoors in cold box resetting.  He has dubbed himself the “black sheep of the family” because he is the only one of the 3 Kristen children to attend Texas A&M. Jacob wears his grandfather’s Aggie ring proudly.  He attends many KDC and community events and is looking forward to buying his first home, right here in Aggieland.

John Kristen

Sales Manager 

Education:

• Bellville High School
• Graduate of the University of Texas class of 2008.  Awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Government.

How did you get to KDC?

• It has always been quite evident what I want to do in life; my first word was beer.  I have been working in the family business my whole life.  My most valuable education has come from the positions I've held at KDC, including: weekend pull-up, off and on premise merchandising, route assistant, and salesman.
• Number of years in the business: 20
• Number of years at KDC: 20

Current Job Duties

• Conducts sales meetings, works with supervisors and salesmen to achieve distribution and sales goals, coordinates ordering with Operations Manager,  organizes incentives, tracks sales goals, manages every aspect of selling at KDC, creates on-premise promotional calendar, oversees promotional models, coordinates efforts with the marketing department, communicates marketing programs to sales staff, executes national programs in local on-premise accounts.

John is exceptionally proud of:

• John is excited about his future with Kristen Distributing and feels privileged to be part of the company and industry his great grandfather, grandfather, and father have worked so hard to grow for the last 80 years.  John recently bought his first home and looks forward to settling into his leadership role at KDC and his new life in Aggieland.

Julie Ford

Comptroller

 

Education:

• Calallen High School

• Graduate of Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2002.  Awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Business.

How did you get to KDC?

• After graduation I worked as a licensed financial advisor.  I joined the KDC team in 2006 as the pricing statistician bringing business finance, accounting, and customer service knowledge to the table.  I was promoted to Comptroller in October 2007.
• Number of years in the business: 5
• Number of years at KDC: 5

Current Job Duties

• Oversees all areas of the office, accounts payable, accounts receivable, state reporting, and preparing financial statements.

Julie is exceptionally proud of:

• I’m thankful to be a parent of 1 great child.
• Julie’s hobbies include spending time with her family, especially her son, reading, and watching movies.

Michele Baker

Human Resources Manager

 

Education:

• Bremond High School
• Attended McLennan Community College 
• Howard Edward Butt School of Retail Management

How did you get to KDC?

• I worked in grocery retail for 11 years, 7 of those were in an Administrative Specialist/HR Support role.  I graduated from the School of Retail Management and was promoted to department manager.  In February of 2008 I accepted the Human Resources Manager position with Kristen Distributing Company.
• Number of years in the business: 14
• Number of years at KDC: 3

Current Job Duties

• Oversees compensation, payroll, health benefits, retirement/401K, vacation accrual, company cell phones, and any Human Resources related concerns KDC employees may have.

Michele is exceptionally proud of:

• Michele's hobbies include, playing with her 2 nieces, reading, watching movies, gardening, shopping, and visiting with friends.  She is excited by the fast paced nature of the beer business and is ready to assist employees with their Human Resource needs. 

Nancy Dee Johnson

Marketing Manager

 

Education:

• Sam Rayburn High School
• Graduate of Texas A&M University, Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2004.  Awarded a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.

How did you get to KDC?

• Originally from the Houston area I relocated to B/CS in 2000 to attend Texas A&M University.  I joined KDC in June of 2007 after a short, but fruitful, stint in the Texas wine industry where I coordinated marketing efforts for the largest privately owned winery in the state.
• Number of years in the business: 5
• Number of years at KDC: 4

Current Job Duties

• Plans events, maintains event budgets, maintains printing budgets, develops local programs, executes national programs, communicates with Sales Manager, manages “Drink Responsibly” campaigns, coordinates marketing and POS efforts, supervises media campaigns, communicates with suppliers, manages company uniform program, fosters and creates relationships with local charities, spearheads KDC's new Print Outsourcing division, manages website content, and assists Mark Kristen.

Nancy is exceptionally proud of:

• I am one of the lucky few that can say "I love my job". Kristen Distributing Company has provided the opportunity for me to grow as a person and a professional.  I'm proud to be an employee of a company that highly prizes personal growth and development, and has a strong history of business success. I'm also the proud owner of a 70 year old house in the heart of Bryan!  I enjoy weekends restoring it with my new husband.   

 

 

Ashley Grote Scarpinato

Office Manager

 

Education:

• Forney High School
• Graduate of Texas A&M University, Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2007.  Awarded a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development with an emphasis on Animal Science.

How did you get to KDC?

• I began at Kristen Distributing in April 2006 as a part-time student worker, I was promoted to Route Accountant, and now hold the position of Office Manager having numerous job duties that keep her busy through out the day.
• Number of years in the business: 5
• Number of years at KDC: 5

Current Job Duties

• Manages office personnel, takes daily product orders, oversees sales depletions, customer establishment liaison, communicates with suppliers, and integral to supplier contract management.

Ashley is exceptionally proud of:

• Ashley grew up raising Angus cattle which enabled her to travel around the world.  If she is not at work or traveling the show circuit she is hanging out with friends, drinking cold beer, and having fun.  She feels that Kristen Distributing has given her great opportunities and knowledge that she will take with her in future endeavors.

 

Penny Dempsey  

Pricing Analyst   

Education:

• LaPoynor High School
• Graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler, Class of 2008.  Awarded a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

How did you get to KDC?

• After graduating from college I relocated to the Bryan College Station area.  I began at Kristen Distributing Company in June of 2008 as Route Accountant and after more than 2 years, I was promoted to part of the management team as Pricing Analyst.
• Number of years in the business: 3
• Number of years at KDC: 3

Current Job Duties

• Communicates pricing to retailers, creates monthly promotion reports for retailers regarding products on deals, coordinates rebates, manages all aspects of pricing, and drafts business plans for all suppliers.

Penny is exceptionally proud of:

• I am exceptionally proud of my growing family, I feel truly blessed in life.  I feel Kristen Distributing Company has supported me 100% since the day I was hired, and with deep appreciation I plan to give them 100% in return.

 

 

Derek Amos

Assistant Comptroller

Education:

How did you get to KDC?

• I previously owned and operated an HVAC company in Hearne, following a newfound love of accounting I decided to attend Kaplan University.  On a whim I put my resume on AggielandHelpWanted.com and within minutes had a call from Comptroller Julie Ford who thought I’d be a great addition to the office.  I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I’m thoroughly enjoying the beer business.
• Number of years in the business: Less than a year
• Number of years at KDC: Less than a year and growing!

Current Job Duties

• Assistant Comptroller – Manage Accounts Receivable, assist Comptroller in preparation of Financial Statements and Audit proceedings.  Assist in general office functions.

Derek is exceptionally proud of:

• My family, my new job, and my continuing education.  My favorite past times are: sports, hunting, video games, and time with my family.  You’ll find and ice cold Shiner Bock in my hand most Saturday evenings!