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OUR MISSION

We are food + beverage industry experts, leveraging our experience and passion through transparency, problem-solving, and innovation to propel our clients and partners to success, while establishing ourselves as trusted leaders in the industry.

OUR VISION

To lead the food + beverage industry through cutting edge innovation and strategy to continuously push the boundaries forward for process and profitability.

Values

KESI MANAGEMENT

LEADING THE CHARGE IN FOOD + BEVERAGE INNOVATION

Better Solutions. Empowered People.

Leadership

LEADERSHIP TEAM

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AUSTIN KIRTLEY

FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER,
KESI MANAGEMENT

Proven leader and expert in Food & Manufacturing operations, financial strategy and supply chain optimization.  Austin’s experience includes partnering in and with a variety of different companies and industries including perishable, 3PL, Supply Chain Logistics, SaaS, Warehousing, Food and Beverage manufacturing, Food safety, and more. Austin’s personable nature and ability to connect the dots for clients in order to remove barriers and realize success is his greatest strength.

Rubicon Foods | Board Member

Anderson University | MBA

Indiana University | BA Kelley School Of Business

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MEHRDAD ERFAN

FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER,
KESI MANAGEMENT

Collaborative problem solver and leader who uses financial modeling, Lean/Six Sigma methodology, data analytics, and negotiating strengths to drive P&L-focused projects and deliver value for growing operations. Mehrdad drives bottom-line savings as well as revenue growth across the business. A constant learner, Mehrdad’s background in data and engineering provides foundational knowledge in his pursuit of entrepreneurial innovative solutions for clients and partners.

Rubicon Foods | Board Member

University of South Florida, MUMA College of Business | MBA 

University of South Florida | BA Industrial Engineering

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DUSTIN VARVIL

MANAGING PARTNER, KESI MANAGEMENT

PRESIDENT, ENGINEERING INNOVATION GROUP

A leader in engineering and high-volume manufacturing in food, beverage, and ready-to-eat industries. Dustin is experienced in driving a safety and fiscally responsible culture through formulating and executing business plans, developing key personnel, and producing innovative solutions that drive results.

Cargill Animal Nutrition | Plant Manager

Ridley, Inc. | Director of Operations/Engineering

SpartanNash | Director of Engineering
 

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STEVE SPENCER

SENIOR PARTNER, KESI MANAGEMENT


PRESIDENT, INNOVATIVE SALES & DESIGN GROUP 

An industry veteran with nearly 20 years of experience in CPG
Brand building, including product development, supply chain management, sales & marketing, distribution, and manufacturing relationships.  Steve was an early adopter in the local food movement and pioneered an artisan brand, LocalFolks Foods. 
Steve connects quickly conceptually and has built a vast network of contacts and industry professionals that have allowed him to become an effective consultant and strategic partner for his clients.

LocalFolks Foods  | President & Founder

Grateful Gourmet | President & Founder

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STRATEGIC ADVISORS

Advisors
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BOB KIRCH

KESI ADVISOR

A produce visionary, Bob Kirch has scaled and built one of the country’s top produce suppliers located in the Midwest. By proactively focusing on the market trends he has been able to be a step ahead of the market which helped build his portfolio of investments and companies.

 

Caito Foods | President & CEO

Heartland Ventures | Limited Partner

SoChatti | Board Member/Advisor

Iota Communications | Limited Partner

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TONY MITCHELL

KESI ADVISOR

A Sales and Procurement Industry leader who has demonstrated success in every category of fresh across multiple markets and regions. Tony’s market and product knowledge has made him a key go to for many clients across the industry. His network connections provide invaluable insight into market trends and product shifts.

 

Associated Wholesale Grocers | VP Corporate Produce

Vision Import Group | VP or Sales & Business Dev

SpartanNash | VP Produce Sales & Procurement

Caito Foods | VP Sales, Marketing & Procurement

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JEFF MILLER

KESI ADVISOR

An Operations Leader with demonstrated success in enabling organizations to succeed through strategic and tactical operational and administrative improvements. A systematic problem solver who drives critical thought into the organization. Recognized for extensive hands-on experience in the application of lean principles within the food industry.

 

Delphi Corporation | General Manager

Deutsche Lurthansas AG | LSG Sky Chef: SVP

Oliver Wyman | Lead Consulting

SpartanNash Fresh Manufacturing | GM/VP Sales

Caito Foods | VP Sales, Marketing & Procurement

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JOHN TUCKER

KESI ADVISOR

A Food Industry veteran with extensive experience in an array of market offerings. John has led some of the top well-known and recognized companies across the country. His track record and expertise in scaling and taking companies has been proven over and over again over the course of his career. 

 

Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt | CEO

Farmhouse Culture | CEO

Dave's Killer Bread | CEO

Dave's Killer Bread Foundation | President

SO Delicious Dairy Free | President

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About Connect
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CONNECT WITH KESI

SCHEDULE A CONSULTAION. BECOME A PARTNER. JOIN OUR TEAM.

THANK YOU

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