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.
KESI MANAGEMENT
LEADING THE CHARGE IN FOOD + BEVERAGE INNOVATION
Better Solutions. Empowered People.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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
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
.jpg)
DUSTIN VARVIL
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
STEVE SPENCER
SENIOR PARTNER, KESI MANAGEMENT
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
STRATEGIC ADVISORS
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
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
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
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
CONNECT WITH KESI
SCHEDULE A CONSULTAION. BECOME A PARTNER. JOIN OUR TEAM.