Profiles
Duane Jacobs, CEO:
With a distinguished background in the consumer package goods industry with such companies as Alberto Culver, American Cyanamid, and LAMAUR, Duane started Jacobs Marketing in 1982 and the company has had double and triple digit growth every year since its inception. His credentials include marketing and sales management at every level, and Duane’s aggressive entrepreneurial spirit provides a unique vendor/marketer perspective that serves the needs of both Jacobs Marketing principals and accounts.
Duane’s thirty plus years experience with accounts and manufacturers has continued to emphasize change as a friend, innovation as a key, and technology that keeps Jacobs Marketing at the forefront of representative agencies in the United States.
Jackie Gibney, President/Partner:
Early training as a merchandiser of Target Stores in high school and college set a rigorous introduction to the world of retail. Having graduated from Carlson School of Managment at the University of Minnesota, and an excellent experience with Kelloggs Company, Jackie joined Jacobs Marketing in 1994. Since then she has represented key vendors at Target and has grown in both position and experience in all phases of the business.
While being at the forefront of Category Management, she is very proud of Jacobs Marketing's award winning teams in a number of areas including Sales, Logistics, Analysis, and Strategic Planning. Jackie will continue to lead with a value based approach and a commitment to partnering with both retailers and vendors to create powerful results.
Gene Ringuette, Partner:
Joining Jacobs Marketing in early 1996, Gene was formerly Vice President of Sales for DowBrands Personal Care Division and was on the management committee of DowBrands Corporate Worldwide. His many years experience includes marketing and sales management positions at all levels on the manufacturing side and his expertise adds volumes for our principals and accounts.
While Gene's focus on Target is exemplary, he also directs the team that provides our vendors with a clear direction at accounts such as SuperValu and Best Buy. His multi trade class experience in FDM works well with our vendors' strategies as he helps them penetrate the various entities of purchasing, marketing, logistics, quality control and shipping.
Having served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, and a graduate of North Dakota State University, Gene's tenure with large consumer packaged goods manufacturers is the basis for his understanding of their needs, and his profound work ethic.
Chris Gibney, Executive VP, Category Management:
With over 20 years of retail sales and category management experience, Chris Gibney began in retail sales and merchandising with Drackett Products (a Bristol Meyers Company) in 1988. After promotions in 1991 & 1992 in Sales Administration, which included category management responsibilities for Wal*Mart, Gibney moved on to SC Johnson Wax (who had purchased Drackett), where he oversaw category management for Target, Walgreens, & Shopko.
In 1994, Chris accepted a position at Target Stores to develop & roll-out its own category management process to over 150 vendor category captains. During his six years at Target, he developed a set of analytical category management templates, held quarterly category management seminars for Target's vendor partners, and in 1998 was assigned additional responsibilities on the Partners Online business team.
Founding CPG Consultants, Inc. in 2000 has allowed Jacobs Marketing to actualize his experience into category management consulting and business planning initiatives. Currently, Chris and his team provide category management support for a number of Target categories, as well as, working on special projects at the request of Target merchants.
Finally, Chris has spent the last eight years developing & enhancing Trieve-It™, the Data Analysis Application that organizes Target's Partners Online sales and inventory data so that it can be interpreted by business analysts, account managers and administrators.
Kevin Spight, Account Executive:
As a Business Management graduate of the Daniels School of Business at the University of Denver in 1999, Kevin has spent the past eleven years in sales and marketing with companies of all sizes. He gained valuable experience as a sales manager at Classic Sport calling on many major US retailers such as Target, Kohl’s, Toys R Us and Sam’s Club. Before joining Jacobs Marketing in 2006, Kevin worked on Procter & Gamble in-store marketing programs through The Integer Group in Colorado and was instrumental in developing award winning programs at Safeway country wide.
He works closely with his Target teams to continue gaining opportunities for his vendors , and brings an enthusiasm and passion that builds the best programs and relationships possible.
Deb Tallarico, Account Executive:
21 years representing manufacturers in the Midwest have enabled Deb to secure distribution and promotions at a fair value to our vendor partners. She works comfortably with both branded and private label projects, and is very adept at assembling and executing all facets of the business including presentations, category reviews, planograms, administration, and account/vendor follow up.
Deb graduated with a double major in Business Management and Communication from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, and uses both effectively while heading up the department that calls on such accounts as Target, SuperValu, and Nash Finch.
Meg Hjemvick, Account Executive:
Having a background in both buying and overseas sourcing, Meg understands product from inception to store execution. She has built assortments and financial strategies in big box corporations, department stores, and high end boutiques. Her 6 year tenure at Target in numerous positions as a buyer and TSS Product Manager gave her invaluable experience and in-depth knowledge that will translate into positive partnerships for our vendors. This runs the gamut from both ends of the Target business model from product development & negotiations to financials & store execution. Through her various positions, she has developed a strong understanding of the Target owned brand process and the support team structure.
Previous to working at Target, her career includes experience as a buyer at Gorsuch Limited in Vail Colo, and May Company in St Louis as a corporate assistant buyer where she learned the rigors and fundamentals of retail while working with national brands and overseeing various import programs.
At Jacobs Marketing, Meg brings her experience and understanding of Target to collaborate with vendors on strong business strategies. She leverages her analytical background along with merchant skills to drive sales and profits for both her vendors and Target.
Max Wolf, Account Executive:
Since graduating from Indiana University, Max has gained a wide range of experience working across various product categories. His hardlines background has allowed him to find that adapting to the challenges of various industries is part of the fun of working in the retail industry, and his knowledge and experience fit well with all facets of his job description.
Max's previous positions as a Target analyst, category manager, and vendor account executive have enhanced his ability to problem solve, and search out new and different initiatives that will benefit both our vendors and Target.
Sara Ronholm, Sr Analyst:
Sara joined Jacobs Marketing in July of 2007. Sara is a graduate of the University of Minnestoa's Carlson School of Management. She received her start in retail as a buyer of athletic apparel for a small retailer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. After moving back to Minnesota in 2003, Sara joined Target Corporation as a Business Analyst at Marshall Field's. There she worked in the Children's Division and then was promoted to Senior Analyst in the Cosmetic's Division. After several years as a merchant, Sara decided to broaden her experiences in retail and joined the Merchandise Operations team, as a replenishment expert. There she supported merchants in running their day to day business and facilitated classes for new business analysts, teaching them how to run a successful replenishment program. As part of the operations team, Sara was also an intrical part in converting replenishment systems from May Company to Macy's
Sara works closely with several national brands and Target teams to manage order flow, inventory levels, and promotions. She uses her merchant background to analyze the business and make recommendations to keep growing our business.
Deena Eide, Sr Analyst:
Deena brings a wide-range of retail experiences to Jacobs Marketing. Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a major in retail merchandising and business, she has held positions in both retailing and manufacturing. Most recently, her 11 year tenure with Target Corporation allowed her to gain immense experience in a variety of positions including business analyst and buyer, and was a vital part of the process and systems development team. Her last area of focus for Target was in finance where the team she led concentrated on data integrity, replenishment, and financial programs.
At Jacobs Marketing, she is able to utilize her extensive retail experience from both sides of the desk to help formulate decisions that will impact the business. In doing so, Deena is able to leverage her skills and knowledge of Target's systems to analyze the business and make recommendations that keep our vendors and Target on the leading edge.
Meredith Rariden, Sr Analyst:
Meredith is a graduate of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business where she majored in Marketing and International Business. After graduation she spent 2 years in the field as a Merchandising Manager at the Gap where she focused on visual merchandising and transitions in the stores. She then continued her career development at Target headquarters as a senior business analyst focusing on inventory and allocation for their seasonal business. Following that, she was promoted to Supply Chain Expert where she focused on analyzing supply chain trends in an effort to increase category contribution.
At Jacobs Marketing, Meredith is able to utilize her recent Target experience to ensure she is anticipating the needs of the business. She uses her knowledge of Target's systems and best practices to guarantee that vendors and Target are communicating and collaborating to meet overall business objectives.
Michele Penake, Category Manager:
Michele is a 1998 graduate from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa with a major in marketing. Immediately after graduation, she continued her early retail experience as a sales associate at Younkers Department Stores by joining their Junior Executive Retail Program where she learned the basics and fundamentals of retail buying, planning and merchandising. Later she continued her career development and passion for retail with other national department stores including the Department Store Division of Target Corporation, Macy's West, Marshall Field's/Target and Macy's North.
In March 2006, Michele joined Jacobs Marketing to continue and help grow their strong experience in category management with Target. Her solid background experience and strong analytical skills offer objective observations and recommendations on assortments, merchandising, and promotions to further develop and grow our category businesses at Target. Michele's partnerships with the business teams at Target (including Buying, Merchandise Planning, MPD, and Category Management) has enabled the successful implementation and execution of strategies developed in conjunction with Jacob's Marketing.
Michele helped developed and now manages Jacobs Marketing's new Market Research and Consumer Insight Programs. These research programs offer valuable information, data, and insights in order to provide up-to-date recommendations on opportunities for our Target Buyers and vendor clients.
Annie Borah, Category Manager:
Annie attended Concordia College of Moorhead where she majored in Business and Fashion Merchandising. She further developed her education in merchandising by completing extensive study abroad having studied with such icons as Vittorio Missoni and executives at Corneliani and Ferragamo.
Annie's retail career began as a buying intern at Vanity Corporation in 2005, and after graduation, held various positions in merchandise planning at Marshall Fields/Macy's. Annie's dedication and passion led to numerous awards including the SVP Award of Excellence, and Macy's Merchant Team of the Quarter Award.
Currently Annie continues her award winning ways as part of Jacobs Marketing's very highly regarded Category Management team. Her expertise in gathering data, interpreting analysis, and being a valued part of the support function to the buying team has proven to not only bring value to Target, but to Jacobs Marketing and its vendor's as well.
Emily Peterson, Category Manager:
Emily graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Retail Merchandising and Business. While attending the university, she completed an internship with Target stores, and after college started with Marshall Field's as a Business Analyst. She was promoted to Senior Business Analyst and then Associate Planner, and while at Marshall Field's/Macy's, received numerous awards and accolades for team partnership, and sales driving analysis.
After Macy's, Emily accepted a position as Category Analyst for Abbott Nutrition working with the Supervalu team. In this position, she provided ad hoc sales analysis and assortment recommendations using internal sales databases, Nielsen, and promotional analysis.
Emily brings her strong analytical skill set, passion for retail, and her drive for success to Jacobs Marketing for the benefit of our vendors and for Target.
Tony Berendes, Category Manager:
Tony is a 2006 graduate of Saint John's University with a degree in Business Management. After graduating, Tony began his career in retail as an Executive Team Lead in Target stores, where he gained knowledge of Target's merchandising and logistics processes. He was recognized for his leadership and ability to drive positive results, by being promoted to open a new Super Target in the Twin Cities metro.
After Target, Tony accepted a position at KeHE Distributors as an Account Analyst. In this position he provided order forecasting and logistics analysis while partnering with multiple specialty food vendors and Target's MP teams. After exceeding goals for order accuracy and instock levels, he was promoted to an Account Manager. In this position Tony supported several of Target's grocery buyers by providing sales analysis and assortment recommendations using market research and promo analysis.
Since joining Jacobs Marketing in 2011, Tony has been able to use his extensive background and talents to the benefit of both Target and our vendors.
Kristen Craft, Category Analyst:
Kristen is a 2008 graduate of Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. As a member and captain of her college basketball team, Kristen is a leader who values collaboration with others, and her degree in Psychology helps her understand the human nature of business and its relationships. After graduation, Kristen joined Airgas Inc as a business analyst where she provided analysis and business insights for the packaged gas industry leader. Kristen joined Jacobs Marketing as a category analyst, and is a team player who brings strong analytical skills, and a passion to succeed to the Jacobs Marketing team.
Kate Dahedl, Business Analyst:
Kate has gained a wealth of expertise through her many years of experience supporting our vendors in a number of categories throughout Target. She is able to quickly resolve all issues because of her extensive knowledge of Target's systems/reports, and uses her strong working relationships to enhance her ability to follow through to fruition.
Additionally, Kate has been able to drive significant sales by weekly management of vendors' inventories and partnering closely with Target Business Analysts to encourage action as needed and in a timely manner.
She leverages her Marketing degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, as she works with her vendors to create impressive data analysis and professional sales presentations that enhance the potential of all sales efforts.
Danielle Ferrante, Business Analyst:
Danielle is a 2006 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a degree in International Business and Marketing. Before Jacobs Marketing, she was a business analyst for a manufacturer's representative where she worked with Target, Best Buy, and Supervalu providing analysis and insights to help drive business and increase sales.
Danielle's background includes support for numerous vendors in various categories, and she works closely with her Target business analysts to drive sales, monitor inventory levels and provide business insights. She is currently pursuing an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, and expects to expand her current knowledge, and bring added capabilities to our vendors and Target.
Adam Kneeland, Director, Guest Insights:
Adam is a 2006 graduate from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Marketing. Before joining Jacobs Marketing, Adam worked as the Assistant Managing Director of Delve, a national market research and data collection firm. His time there was spent leading the internal team and working with vendors and partners to obtain their research goals and desired results.
At Jacobs Marketing, Adam brings his experience, knowledge and understanding of research to head up our Guest Insights Division. He works closely with vendors and Target Buyers to offer valuable insights and recommendations to provide a better shopping experience for the Guest.
