Hanson Faso Sales and Marketing
Company Overview:
Established in 1965, Hanson Faso Sales & Marketing is a specialized sales and marketing organization focused on creating profitable sales opportunities within the specialty foods, confections, and natural foods sectors. Headquartered at 1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 450, Lisle, IL 60532, the company is dedicated to fact-based marketing strategies and has a significant presence across diverse trade classes, including grocery, natural, drug, mass, and alternate channels. Hanson Faso's mission is to generate effective sales opportunities for its principals and customers, ensuring profitable outcomes and mutual success.
Leadership Team:
- Stewart Reich, President & CEO, offers over fifty years of expertise in the specialty food industry. His significant contributions include leadership in distribution and manufacturing at Charlotte Charles and participating on various Specialty Food Association committees. Stewart is also a Specialty Food Hall of Fame inductee.
- Michael Reich, Chief Operating Officer, has nearly two decades of tenure with the company, playing a key role in developing proprietary sales analytic software and currently serving on the national board of the Specialty Food Association. He possesses degrees from the University of Illinois and Roosevelt University.
- Karen McPherson, Chief Financial Officer, has over 30 years of experience in finance and human resources, focusing on business intelligence and data management, holding a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois.
- Stephanie Seper, Senior Vice President of Marketing, has almost 40 years of industry experience with roles in both manufacturing and brokerage. Her commitment to industry service is demonstrated by her involvement with the Buyers Council for the Plant Based World Expo.
- Dawn Emery-Janzen, Senior Vice President of Sales & Merchandising for the Central Region, brings extensive knowledge in retail and distribution sectors, with specific expertise in natural foods.
- Kent Walker, Senior Vice President of Perimeter, joined Hanson Faso in 2014, and holds comprehensive expertise in cheese and meats, certified as an ACS Certified Cheese Professional.
Core Competencies:
The firm's competencies include:
- Sales and Program Execution
- Personalized Attention and Responsive Service
- Deduction Management and Resolution
- Supply Chain, Logistics, and Inventory Management
- Sales Analytics
- Administrative Excellence
Industry Recognition & Culture:
Recognized as an excellent workplace, Hanson Faso achieves a 100% employee satisfaction rating, reflecting a culture built on empathy, integrity, and excellence. The company aspires to set the standard in specialty, natural, organic, and better-for-you foods and confections sales and marketing, having been recognized multiple times as one of the "Best Places to Work in Illinois."
Recent Activities and Market Expansion:
Hanson Faso's recent LinkedIn posts indicate ongoing market expansions and the integration of new team members from acquired companies, such as the INFB team. The company's growth objectives include expanding sales channels and forming partnerships with prestigious firms like Walker's Shortbread Ltd.
Notable Achievements:
The company's affiliates have been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Specialty Food Hall of Fame and the NCA Candy Hall of Fame, highlighting dedication and leadership within the specialty food sector.
Competitive Profiling
Key Financials and Competitors:
Hanson Faso reports an annual revenue of $22.7 million with a workforce of 84 employees. Notable competitors include:
- Gourmet Kitchens: Specializes in fresh food offerings, with a focus on handmade appetizers. Based in Chicago, IL, they emphasize custom-tailored programs.
- Lifeway Foods: A leader in probiotic-based products, particularly their kefir line, serving health and cultural markets, headquartered in Morton Grove, IL.
- Ballyhoo Hospitality: A hospitality group offering neighborhood dining experiences with a focus on authentic food and drinks across Chicago, IL.
Competitive Analysis:
Hanson Faso competes directly with several industry players, including:
- JW Sales & Marketing: Renowned for its focus on natural, organic, and specialty food and beverage brands, benefiting from a strong family-run heritage in the Midwest.
- TryAngle Foods: A robust player in perishable food brokerage known for blending traditional values with modern business strategies, showcasing a successful history since 1977.
- Belgravia Imports: Engaged in specialty food imports, adding to the competitive dynamics within Hanson Faso’s operational landscape.
Operational Strategies:
Hanson Faso differentiates through specialized sales strategies in niche markets. The company leverages competitive intelligence and strategic benchmarking to enhance its market position, seeking opportunities in specialty foods and tracking market trends for continued growth.
Insights for Engagement:
Effective engagement with Hanson Faso should focus on a shared understanding of niche market dynamics and the exploration of strategic growth opportunities in the specialty foods sector. By highlighting potential collaboration paths or unique market insights gathered from competitor strategies, both parties stand to gain from mutual business development initiatives, thereby expanding market share.
