RPE Expands Sales Team; Creates New Product Development Sales Department

Bancroft, Wis. — RPE Inc. has added a new vice president of sales, Ross Verner. In his new role, Verner is overseeing the operations of all RPE offices and ensuring continuity between the sales offices in Wisconsin, Idaho and Colorado. Former director of retail sales, Kevin Wright, will shift his focus to the position of vice president of new product development and sales. Verner will report to Gary Hansen, senior vice president of sales and operations at RPE.

Verner comes to RPE from Topco Associates LLC, where he served as the director of produce program management, prior to serving as the director of member development. With more than 15 years of sales experience in different capacities, Verner brings a diverse background to RPE. After participating in the United Fresh Industry Leadership Program, Verner became drawn to working primarily in the produce industry.

“At Topco I had the opportunity to work with RPE,” Verner commented. “I was impressed because RPE is a progressive company. They’ve invested in their quality assurance and marketing departments, which show their commitment to give their customers quality potatoes and the turn-key tools to sell those potatoes.”

As the vice president of sales, Verner’s position is a combination of director of retail sales for the Wisconsin office and the added responsibilities of also overseeing RPE’s branch offices. Wright will now lead the newly created new product development sales department, which is responsible for products such as unique new varieties, organic and specialty potatoes.

“The new role still affords me the opportunity to work directly with customers, which is one of my favorite parts of the business,” said Wright. “But I also get to be directly involved in the decision-making process on new and progressive product lines within the potato and onion industry.”

“Having Ross here means we are able to put Kevin’s experience to use in the fastest growing area of our company,” said Russell Wysocki, president and CEO of RPE. “Ross understands sales—he’s worked in category management, brokering, brand development, and he brings a new perspective to our office. We’re excited to work with him and I know he will help bring out the best in our sales team.”

RPE, a second generation family farm, is a category leader and key grower/shipper of year-round potatoes and onions. RPE prides itself on maintaining a high level of business integrity that includes commitments to environmental sustainability, as well as category innovation and retail solutions.

Source: RPE