SYKESVILLE, MD. — Pet Palette recently appointed five seasoned independent sales representatives to expand and bolster the pet product distributor’s wholesale distribution to pet specialty retailers in the United States.

“Each of these seasoned pet industry veterans bring with them years of valuable experience, which benefits their accounts in a great deal of ways. We are thrilled to welcome them to the team,” said Jim Geiger, national sales manager at Pet Palette.

Lynda Crammer joins the company with 28 years of sales experience in the pet industry. She will work with retailers in the southeast United States, including in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Crammer started in the pet industry with Ralston Purina, where she helped launch the Pro-Visions division of the company in Florida. After 20 years, she moved into pet durables sales with Dog Gone Smart, servicing 21 states on the east coast.

“I consider myself incredibly lucky because my love for all animals has matched my love for helping independent retailers achieve success,” Crammer said.

Scott Haff will oversee distribution sales in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. He brings more than 20 years of consumer goods sales experience to his new role with Pet Palette. Throughout his career, he has spent 15 years selling pet food and treat brands.

“The market is continually changing, and it is my pleasure to help retailers navigate these changes to find a solution and be successful,” Haff said.

Jon Hughes joins Pet Palette to oversee distribution sales in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Hughes offers more than 20 years of pet industry experience, including with a cat litter company and Midwestern Pet Foods, a dog food and treat manufacturer.

“I’m proud to be known for establishing, building, and maintaining strong business relationships with my retail partners,” Hughes said. “My focus is to drive their sales growth as a team, I’m determined to see them succeed.”

Jessica Meincke will leverage her 20 years of pet industry experience to drive distribution sales for Pet Palette in Idaho and Montana. As a licensed veterinary technician, her background is in veterinary care, dog behavior and training.

“I believe in preserving the human/animal bond and I focus on this when working to help facilitate my accounts,” Meincke commented.

Nicolette Popa will manage distribution sales in Indiana, Kentucky, western New York, Ohio and West Virginia. She offers 15 years of pet industry experience, including time spent as a department manager at PetSmart, as well as sales management roles with Coastal Pet Products and OutPet’s Company.

“It’s my responsibility to hear the needs of the pet stores in my market and to provide them with solutions to ensure they are offering the items that will sell best,” Popa said. “If my accounts are successful, then I am successful.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.