Horizon Team

Horizon Sales Executive Team

Jack Taylor, Chairman of the Board - Jack is now celebrating more than 50 years in food sales.  Following a career as National Sales Manager for a major cheese company, Jack founded Horizon Sales Corporation in 1982.

His vision has always been focused on perishables and where he can make a difference in the growing Horizon’s presence in Western US marketplace. He continues to provide strategic direction and support in the growth and transition of Horizon in the Western marketplace.

Theresa Battel, CEO – Theresa is a Partner in Horizon Sales and is responsible for the growth and development of all core areas as the business has grown during her 36+ years with the company.

She has called on key retailers, managed sales, budgets and profitability, developed operations and merchandising business models, and directed the Management team. As CEO, Theresa has full management responsibilities and is focused on expanding the evolution and growth in Southern California and the West. She continues to be responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day business and has a primary role in executing the long-term strategy of Horizon Sales.

Daniel Ledesma, President - Daniel is a Partner in Horizon and President at Horizon Sales Southern California, as well as the Southwest, Intermountain West and Colorado regions.

He has been in the food business for over 30 years and joined Horizon in 2007 as Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. His experience covers all areas of the perishable business and his leadership of the Sales, Merchandising, Marketing and Operations group has been key in growing Horizon.

John Taylor, Chief Financial Officer - John H Taylor joined Horizon in 2014.  He has spent much of the past ten years focused on the fixed income side of the financial industry. John’s knowledge of the financial industry and personal development in the financial sector have had a direct and beneficial impact on Horizon. By developing new systems, streamlining current processes, and expanding reporting capabilities and analysis, John has been innovative and effective in Horizon’s overall financial strategic plan.

Tammy Brusseau, Chief Operating Officer - Tammy began her career in the grocery industry over 38 years ago and has experience in retail, distribution and brokerage. She has spent much of the past 20 years in executive management positions in the sales, merchandising and marketing arena and her extensive industry experience has strengthened Horizon’s foundation. Tammy manages the growth of both our existing operations, our expanded regional corporate operations initiatives and our marketing & analytics department.

Scott Taylor, Vice President of Sales & Merchandising – has over 40 years combined experience in the food industry and has been with Horizon for 35 years. Scott has been responsible for the successful growth of Horizon's business at retailers both nationally and locally. He is focused on Horizon's continued approach to developing our business initiatives in Southern California and leads and mentors the Sales and Merchandising teams in the Southern California market.

Robbie Ledford, Vice President of Business Development - Robbie joined Horizon Sales in early 2013 and brought over 20 years of experience in the distribution side of the business. He has extensive knowledge and experience in multiple facets of the retail grocery industry and holds a key role in managing Horizon's Kroger West business in addition to other company initiatives.  

Southern CAlifornia Directors

Erik Pietsch, Director of Regional Sales and Marketing - has over 25 years of experience in the grocery industry with a wealth of knowledge in the service deli area. Erik is responsible for managing the communication and execution of sales and merchandising initiatives for Horizon’s growth in the Western Region.  He leads the analytics team to provide actionable business insights to drive sales for both our customers and clients. 

Asha Shah, Director of Operations - Asha joined Horizon in 2011 bringing 15 years of Fortune 500 corporate experience. She has extensive experience in sales and operations.  Asha oversees Customer Support, Deductions and Sales Support departments and leads these teams to successfully support and manage all operational services required by our clients and customers. 

Adam Pyle, Director of IT - Adam joined Horizon early in 2017 after having a successful career as a computer consultant for over 15 years.  Adam oversees Horizon's IT infrastructure and manages all technical projects and network development.  As Horizon grows, he continues to help develop and coordinate our information systems and implements our technology goals.

Tina Knizel, Senior Director of Business Administration - has been with Horizon since 2005.  Tina works closely with our Executive and Senior Leadership teams including support and collaboration with our Chairman, CEO, President and CFO.  Her partnership with each of Horizon's sister companies includes executive administration and management of personnel located in SoCal, AZ and CO to continue and advance our "Best in Class" standards across each of our territories. 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SALES TEAM 

Janice Greene, Account Executive – brought her vast knowledge of the Service Deli with her when she joined Horizon 35 years ago. She has over 40 years of experience in the food industry and worked as a Service Deli Manager for an upscale independent retailer prior to joining Horizon.

Marli Milne, Account Executive - Marli has been with Horizon for 19 yeas with 12 years in Retail Sales and Management.  The industry relationships she has developed are key in helping grow the business at Smart & Final, Gelson's and Jon's Markets. 

Maricelda Chaidez, Account Executive - Maricelda brought 21 years of sales and Account Management experience and 8 years in the grocery food industry when she joined Horizon in 2021. Her career started with a leading distributor where she was an Account Executive covering Stater Bros Service Deli/Bakery and Dairy/Deli and most recently managing the dry grocery business.  She calls on Stater Bros and Gelson's as an Account Executive with Horizon.

Rob Skafgaard, Account Manager - started with Horizon as a Field Sales Representative and for 4 years he developed strong connections with his customers and advanced his sales experience.  He was promoted to Account Manager and is focused on business expansion with our independent retailers. 

SOUTHWEST TEAM

Ken Clark, Director of Sales, SW & IMW – has 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry with the last 17 years working with Horizon Sales covering the Arizona territory. Ken is a member of Horizon's management team and was recently promoted to Director of Sales where he now oversees a team of 7 in the areas of AZ and Nevada, in addition to his new team of 4 in our IWM region.  

Theresa Grant, Account Executive, SoCal/SW – began her career in the grocery business 30+ years ago where she worked in various departments honing her skills. She joined Horizon in 1999 where she developed an unparalleled understanding of retail merchandising. Theresa was promoted to our Account Executive team 11 years ago and continues to grow and support Horizon's business.

Tom Whitley, Account Executive/Field Sales Manager, SW - Tom has been in the grocery industry for 33 years.  He started his career at Ralph's where he spent 18 years gaining experience and career growth, ending as a Sales Manager/Grocery Manager for 5 years. Upon moving to AZ, he worked for a local distributor as a merchandiser and sales rep.  He has been with Horizon for 11 years where he has advanced from a Field Sales Representative to Product Specialist, he was then promoted to Account Manager and has just recently been promoted to his current role as an Account Executive and leading the SW Field Sales Team. 

INTERMOUNTAIN WEST TEAM

Lorie Roundy, Account Executive, IMW - has 25 years of experience in the Service Deli/Bakery industry. She was instrumental in the development and success of the largest food brokerage firm in Utah for 10 years before joining Horizon in 2011. Lorie is responsible for growing business in the UT, ID, WY, and MT territories. Her experience and relationship building skills provide her the keen ability to implement programs while stimulating sales.

Matthew Jones, Account Manager/ Field Sales Manager, IMW - Matt has been working in the grocery industry for 20 years. He began his career with a national chain where he worked his way up through a variety of positions including Service Deli Manager and Deli Trainer. Before joining Horizon, Matt was working as Bakery Manager. He joined Horizon Sales 11 years ago as a Merchandiser and is now an Account Manager in addition to Field Sales Manager for the IMW team.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TEAM 

RETAIL / FOOD SERVICE / OPERATIONS

Tony Visintine, Senior Director of Sales, CO - leads the growth and expansion of the Rocky Mountain Food Service and Retail Team. Tony has 28 years of industry experience with 11 years as a food broker representing Fortune 500 companies. His responsibilities as a Regional Sales Manager for a 6-state region provided a solid background in product development and culinary skills as he worked with Brokers, Food Service Distributors, Regional and National Chains and C-Stores.    

 Ellen Glasscock, Director of Retail Sales/Account Executive, CO - Ellen has over 25 years' experience in the industry and spent 10 years with the Cheese Importers Sales Team working and developing the Colorado market.  She leads our team of 3 Field Sales Representatives who are all experts in perishables while developing and supporting our retail business in the metro Denver area. 

Alex Friess, Account Executive, CO - joined Horizon with 10 years in the grocery industry.  Her extensive knowledge in service deli is demonstrated by her certifications as a Murray’s Red Jacket Trainer and Murray’s Cheese Master.   

Matt Mitchell, Territory Manager, CO - Matt has been with the company for 10 years. He has 27 years of food industry experience with 5 years on the development and design team and as a travel trainer teaching chefs and managers for a national chain.

Noah Glasscock, Territory Manager, CO - Noah joined the Horizon team in January 2023 with a background in both retail and food service industries. He has 7+ years' experience in the food industry, 5 years in sales, and a lifetime of food knowledge.

Celina Nicholson, Territory Manager, CO - Celina has orchestrated large events with food offered to over 3,000 people and created menus for differing cuisines, as well as introduced many new flavors to her operations. She has perfected her culinary skills over the years with high end executive events featuring out of the box ideas and innovation. While managing a 10,000 square foot retail space she introduced a new side of cuisine to the healthcare industry with chef driven action stations and utilized high end products featured in all other stations. Celina was able to provide exceptional quality with offerings not seen in the healthcare industry. 

Amy Sandoval, Director of Operations & Administration - joined Horizon with 10 years of previous broker experience as a skilled supervisor for customer service, operations, and account receivable.  Her extensive knowledge of customer portals, ordering systems and technology have continued to advance and develop her role. 

CINCINNATI / KROGER CORPORATE TEAM

Rod Taylor, Senior Director of Kroger Corporate - Rod came to Horizon with over 33 years of experience in the retail industry.  He is spearheading the strategic initiatives aimed at building sales and fostering relationships with Kroger Corporate.  His extensive background in retail, coupled with a successful track record in various leadership roles, positions him as a key player in Horizon Sales' continued growth and success.

Debbie Delehant, Account Executive - Kroger - Debbie has 30 years in the retail food industry. She spent 28 years with a leading distributor where she was an Account Executive for Ralphs Service Deli/Bakery for over 11 years. She served on the DDBC board for 4 years. Debbie has been with Horizon for 7 years and is based in Cincinnati calling on Kroger Service Deli/Bakery.  

Horizon Sales PartnerS -

western Region

Horizon Specialties - Northern California market

Willis Marketing - Pacific Northwest region

Rainbow Sales & Marketing - Hawaii market