FAIRPORT HARBOR, Ohio, Feb. 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OurPet’s Company (OTCQX:OPCO) (www.ourpets.com), a leading proprietary pet supply company, today announced the appointment of Brian Astman, as National Sales Manager, Corporate Accounts as well as improvements to its corporate sales function through additional external resources. These actions reflect OurPet’s commitment to expanding its sales reach within the United States across multiple channels.
Astman is an experienced sales professional who most recently served as the National Sales Manager at Jolly Pets, Inc. and as the National Chain Analyst/Sales Manager at American Greetings, Inc. where he made significant contributions to expanding product placement with national retailers. Brian will report directly to Dr. Steve Tsengas, CEO and will be responsible for the development and growth of new and existing major Food Drug & Mass accounts, and the newly expanded e-commerce department. Brian will also work closely with marketing to launch new trend-setting products, including the Intelligent Pet Care™ line.
OurPet’s CEO Dr. Steve Tsengas commented, “Brian brings 10 years of sales experience and more importantly, valuable experience in the Pet industry. His diverse skill set will help us maintain and grow our brick and mortar and e-commerce customer bases as we navigate the dynamics of the rapidly changing marketplace.”
Additionally, OurPet’s has expanded its relationship with Chuck Latham Associates (CLA), one of America’s largest independent sales organizations. CLA will now target Pet Specialty Independent Retailers in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest. The firm currently represents OurPet’s in major pet retailers like PetSmart and Petco, as well as Pet Specialty Independent Retailers in the West Coast and Southwestern United States. Keith Morris, CLA National Sales Manager – Independent Accounts commented that, “Our relationship with OurPet’s spans over twenty years and we are pleased with the opportunity to support OurPet’s nationwide.” It is estimated that with the expanded role of CLA, OurPet’s will obtain sales coverage in over 1,500 independent pet retail stores.
Regionally, OurPet’s has also strengthened sales coverage in the Food Drug & Mass channel with the successful engagement of D. Landstrom Associates (DLA) independent sales agents, based in Minneapolis, MN, to cover the North Central U.S. including such accounts as Target and Menards. DLA was established in 1980 and has strong, high level relationships with major retailers in Mass Retail, Grocery, Hardware, Farm & Fleet, E-commerce, Distribution, Catalog and TV.
OurPet’s has hired Schoenemann Richeson (SR) of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX to add coverage in the Southwestern U.S. Established in 2014, SR is very active with major Grocery Chains, General Merchandise Retailers, Military Exchanges, and Distributors.
Dr. Steve Tsengas concluded, “We are very pleased to have DLA and SR join the OurPet’s Sales Team and bring such talent and long-term relationships to us. I am confident that they will help to access key accounts in their respective areas with our innovative pet products and outstanding customer service.”
These changes reflect OurPet’s greater emphasis on e-commerce, value retailers, and export sales due to overall trends in the traditional brick-and-mortar environment. Continued emphasis on product innovation will drive the success of these sales resources and the overall success of OurPet’s. OurPet’s has over 170 product patents issued or pending that that are sold both under its two brands OurPets® (in the pet specialty segment) and Pet Zone® (in the Food Drug & Mass) as well as under private label.
About OurPet’s Company:
OurPet’s Company designs, produces and markets a broad line of innovative, high-quality accessory and consumable pet products in the U.S. and overseas. Investors and customers may visit www.ourpets.com for more information about our company and its products. OurPet’s websites include www.ourpets.com and www.petzonebrand.com.
Investor Contact:
Chris Donovan or Steve Calk
Alpha IR Group
(312) 445-2870
[email protected]
OurPet’s Company:
Dr. Steven Tsengas, CEO
(440) 354-6500 x111