Meet Your New Marketing Team.
GRM is made up of an experienced and dedicated staff committed to providing our clients with professional natural & specialty food and HABA / non-foods brokerage services.
Rody Oueis
Chief Executive Officer
Territory: All Divisions
With over 25 years of experience, Rody Oueis is one of the most knowledgeable, and well connected individuals in the natural and specialty food industry. From his earliest days working for a direct store delivery manufacturer, making bi-weekly treks from Eugene to call on and deliver to Seattle area independents and chains, to his most recent position with United Natural Foods where he consistently increased sales by upwards of 25%.
Rody has made invaluable connections, many of which he is proud to call friends today. When Rody is not on the road or in a store reset, you can find him on the golf course or with his two amazing children at the pool.
David Victor
Chief Operating Officer
Territory: All Divisions
David Victor started out his professional career with 10 years of management experience in the hospitality industry in Northern California. He then returned to college in the late 80’s and graduated University of Oregon with a Psychology major and was a clinical therapist for 15 years with Lane County Mental Health.
David then began his career in the Natural Food Industry working for Advantage Sales and Marketing, calling on many key accounts in Oregon. David has come full circle with his career, he uses his skill set of understanding the Natural Food Industry, along with effective management skills, understanding human behavior, and problem solving skills, to create win-win situations for the people he works with.
David took note of exactly what works well and how to build lasting relationships in the industry. He is compassionate, understands the needs of small businesses, and is able to effectively advocate for the vendors and retailers he works with on a daily basis.
David, his wife Tracy, and their son Aiden, enjoy the many wonders of the outdoors in Southern Oregon such as hiking, bicycling, and golfing. You can often find them in the kitchen cooking great meals together.
Americana Fox
VP of Sales HABA / Non-Food
Territory: All Divisions
Chris Ruderman
Chief Financial Officer
Territory: All Divisions
Chris began his career in the Accounting & Finance profession following twelve years as a District Manager with Honey Baked Ham in Chicago. After relocating to Oregon in 2000, Chris served as a Controller for Aramark for 8 years. During his Aramark tenure, Chris earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Financial Manager (CFM) certifications through the Institute of Management Accountants.
Always on a quest for continued self-improvement, Chris joined the University of Oregon as a Financial Manager while earning a Master of Public Administration degree. Soon following graduation, Chris began teaching and concurrently teaches Accounting and Personal Finance courses at Linn-Benton Community College. Chris is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and holds the Senior Career Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification.
Chris joined Grass Roots with a simple desire to be of service in a dynamic enterprise with tremendous growth potential. When he’s not “counting beans,” the former Marine can be found riding his bike on the gravel roads of the McDonald Forest or kayaking on the Willamette. Chris and his wife Teresa enjoy hiking and love keeping up with their two grown children.
Erinn Williams
VP of Sales
Territory: SoPac, NorCal
Erinn was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. She first came to Los Angeles to study Opera at USC. She sang opera all over the world in places such as: Royal Albert Hall, London, Zurich Opera House & the Kremlin, Moscow. As a performer she has also had a long acting career and has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild since 2000, she has also toured extensively in Europe with her original music as a singer/songwriter.
In 2007 Erinn Launched R.E.A.L. (Raw Energy and Life) FOODS, LLC and Rawkin Raw Chocolates as a part of her goal to make healthy and pure food options more accessible. She loves creating and sharing her superfood energy treats!
For the past 13 years, Erinn has been a broker for her company, opening the entire So Pac region in addition to stores across the country. She met and partnered with GRM to represent her brand 6 years ago in the Pac NW and was incredibly impressed with their team and process. Their combined passion to bring great products to the marketplace was obvious, and when they approached her to head up sales in GRM So Pac the answer was clear! In her spare time Erinn enjoys practicing yoga, playing music, hiking, camping, traveling, ocean swimming and spending time with family and good friends.
Jen Oueis Bloomfield
Director of Administration
Territory: All Divisions
Debbie Willcut
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW
Jesse Syverson
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW, NorCal
Jerod Wilson
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW, NorCal
Janice Moreland
Sales Manager
Territory: PacNW
Carson O'Brien
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW
Carson O’Brien grew up running, swimming, biking and camping in the Willamette Valley. Throughout his life, Carson has always been a part of a team. In high school he balanced school and work at a local grocery store while also participating in 3 varsity sports. Again, in college, Carson managed to balance academics, work and sports. He was a part of the track and field team at Western Oregon University where he received many honors. In 2012, he graduated with his bachelors degree in social sciences.
Carson continues to display excellent work ethic and has brought great value to the local businesses that he has worked for since graduating. Now, he brings over 5 years of experience in sales and account management to the Grass Roots Marketing team.
In his free time, Carson can be found with his wife, son and German Shepherd. They enjoy walking, hiking, and playing.
Samantha Bode
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW
Meet Samantha Bode. She’s a Northwest Native, mother to Chris, Nathan, Kassandra and Baba to her beautiful granddaughter, Waverly. Sam is a lover of LIFE and when she isn’t working, she is either at the mud boggs racing the El Camino, camping with her granddaughter, or you can probably find her on a river somewhere doing her thing… Fly Fishing!
Samantha has 28 years of grocery retail experience, which includes everything from courtesy clerk, dairy manager, 4th and 3rd manager of store operations, and Natural Foods manager. She brings to GRM, her extensive knowledge of natural/organic products, a dedication to excellence in the workplace and a love for customer service. Sam is excited to experience the other side of retail while going above and beyond for the GRM clients.
Brent Norr
Retail Merchandiser
Territory: PacNW
Michelle Dee
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW
Michelle Dee has been in the natural food industry for nearly three decades. She began her career in retail before moving into a head buying position while also teaching herbal tincture and salve making classes. She then moved into pharmacy management where she focused on successfully expanding the store’s natural supplement section. She switched paths and moved into HABA brand management, racking up over 10 years experience. Michelle deeply values the many relationships she has made over the years and looks forward to new experiences in the field.
When she is not working Michelle enjoys life in the country with her partner and their four Dachshunds. She loves hockey and at least once a year you will find them at a New York Rangers game.
Lyra Reese
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW
Lyra Reese joins the Grass Roots Marketing team, following 14 years of experience in grocery retail. She spent twelve of those years dedicated to the growth and expansion of the natural and organic sales as a department manager. Prior to grocery retail, Lyra attended Spokane Falls Community College where she gained her education in Exercise Science and Physiology. During her second year of college, her passion and knowledge of fitness led her into personal training. Lyra’s experience in fitness merged with her role in grocery retail, soon sparking her interest in a higher understanding of health and wellness. She continued to take nutrition-based courses at SFCC and used her education to better serve her community, along with giving her a hand up in her management position.
Lyra has a strong belief in using food as medicine. Her core values have always circulated around a healthy well-being. Whether it be in health and nutrition, physical fitness or interacting with people; she is always striving to curate a positive connection.
Born and raised in Eastern Washington, Lyra has spent all thirty-three years in Spokane, WA. She has always been fond of the west coast. In her free time, Lyra enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking, modeling, hitting the gym or the trails for a run and is always up for any outdoor sport or activity. Turn on some good music that she can dance with and you will see her in her truest element.
Tracy Clark
Sales Support Specialist
Territory: PacNW
Tracy was employed with the State of Oregon for 20 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Tracy enjoys organic farming and was a founding member of the Transition Garden Project for Springfield Public Schools where she taught students with special needs employment and life skills through farming. She has strengths in community resources, building relationships and attention to detail.
Tracy met David Victor while they were attending the University of Oregon. They were married in 1998 and enjoy exploring wonderful places throughout the Pacific Northwest in their RV with their son Aiden and dog Lucky.
Lisa Salling
Sales Support Specialist
Territory: PacNW
Lisa was born and raised in Hawaii but has lived in Portland, Oregon for 10 years. Growing up in such a beautiful but ecologically fragile place fostered a deep respect for the environment. She adores the green spaces and access to nature of both places but considers the Pacific Northwest her true home. She has worked in a variety of fields focused within natural grocery and fine dining service, always with an emphasis on sustainably sourced, quality ingredients. She is currently going back to school, so in her spare time you’ll probably find she hasn’t wandered too far from her desk! She enjoys finding new parks and hikes with her 5 year old son. She also enjoys kayaking, rock-hunting, mushroom foraging, board games, coloring books, and podcasts.
Nicole Oueis
Key Account Manager
Territory: PacNW
Nicole joined GRM with over 6 years of customer service experience, and a lifetime of experience growing up immersed within the Natural Food industry. She studied Intercultural Communication at Portland State and is excited to be a part of the GRM team.
Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Nicole is currently located in Springfield with her two cats. When she is not at her desk, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with family.
Brenna Jessing
Promotions Coordinator
Territory: All Divisions
Brenna is joining GRM after spending 6 years in childcare as a preschool teacher and a nanny. She also has 4 years experience in customer service, and spent the last couple of years as a barista at small local coffee shops. She is very excited to join the team and grow within the natural food industry.
Brenna is a born and raised Oregonian and currently living in Eugene OR. In her spare time you can probably find her with her black lab Olive or with her friends exploring nature and finding new places to eat.
Marti Cox
Controller
Territory: All Divisions
Marti was born and raised in Montana, and after attending Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, she landed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Over the next 15 years she developed and administered a successful business, built a family, and went on many unique escapades. Ever curious and full of adventure, she embarked on a new path as she settled in the Willamette Valley of Oregon in 2017.
After swearing she would never become an accountant, her knack for numbers coupled with her business acumen and desire to serve pushed her to seek a degree, which she is currently pursuing, having already earned her QuickBooks User Certification. Her diverse experiences have produced a well-rounded and knowledgeable base for her work. She is delighted to have been approached by Grass Roots Marketing to put her talents to good use and looks forward to serving so many other companies across the nation and world.
In her downtime, Marti enjoys music, creating beauty in myriad forms, being active outdoors, and having deep conversations with others, especially with her two beautiful children.
Hannah Appelbaum
Sales Support Specialist
Territory: NorCal
Originally from Gilroy, CA, Hannah has been in the PNW for over 20 years. With over a decade of experience in retail, she joined the team primed and ready to learn the inner workings of the industry. Working for nearly 5 years in the holistic sector gave her a great appreciation for natural and healthy products. While working for another 5 years in small chocolate boutiques gave her a strong appreciation for delightful flavors. In her spare time, you can find her with her 2 cats, Rhubarb and Thistle, and making infused herbal liquors.
Louis Quintana
Key Account Manager
Territory: NorCal
Louis has had a well-rounded career in the food business as a retailer, manufacturer and broker – that has occurred entirely in the Bay Area here in Northern California. He began his career in the Conventional Grocery business by working in a chain store and then for an independent grocery chain. He worked in grocery stores for years and managed departments. In 2004, left the stores and became a manufacturers rep to Bay Area retailers.
In 2006 an opportunity came up to work for a food broker who represented national and specialty brands. So, he started journey as a food broker there. And progressed to a natural foods broker in 2014.
He calls on conventional independents, natural foods retailers and conventional chains in Nor Cal. Louis has always enjoyed the food business, the variety of products and experiences it brings. He’s been able to make long term friends at accounts throughout the Bay Area while accomplishing sales goals.
Louis lives in the Silicon Valley, a great central location in the Bay Area and close to the coast. He is married, has a 15 yr old daughter – Sarah and 3 dogs – Chewie, Vader & Leia. For fun, he enjoys watching sporting events, attending concerts and spending time with adventuring with his family.
Zandra Haack
Sales Manager
Territory: NorCal
Zandra joins Grass Roots Marketing with over 20 years of experience in the natural industry with 12 years of Account Management experience in Northern California. She has a passion for customer service, sales and marketing and is grateful for her long-standing relationships that she has built as an accomplished broker. Her broad-based industry knowledge lends to a positive experience for brands, retailers, and distributors in the day-to-day. Zandra enjoys project management and achieving goals by way of hard work, desire to be of service, attention to detail, and follow through.
Born and raised in Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, Zandra has a sincere appreciation and affinity for the great outdoors. In her free time, you can find her gardening, spending time with friends and family, on a hike, or caring for her many pet rescues. Zandra is a proud Fire Wife and supports her Husband in his active duty as a Wildland Firefighter for the US Forest Service.
Laura Madison
Key Account Manager
Territory: NorCal
Laura joins the Grass Roots Marketing Team with nearly a dozen years of retail and grocery management experience. Most recently she was the Grocery Manager at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. Laura excels at merchandising and enjoys building relationships with vendors and buyers in an authentic way. As a former buyer herself, she is excited to create, develop, and foster mutually respectful and beneficial relationships within her new role.
In her free time, Laura likes to spend time with her partner Daniela and their 2 precious
angel dogs, Cheech and Tibby, as well as their 2 cats Goose and Tator. Laura’s interests vary, from genealogy, aquascaping, collecting useless knowledge, and tending to her not-so-thriving house plants. A self-proclaimed “Disney-adult”, Laura is also an Annual Pass Holder which she takes great pride in.
Chad Clark
Key Account Manager
Territory: SoPac
Chad was born and raised in New England. His passion for food started at an early age helping his grandfather in apple orchards & corn fields on family farms in southern Vermont.
He got his start in the natural food industry in 1995 working at a small health food store while going to college in New Hampshire.
After reading too much Jack Kerouac, and visiting California on a spring break, in 1997 he and a
friend decided to pack everything they owned into a truck and head west to San Francisco. In SF he ended up as the General Manager at Thom’s Natural Foods in the Richmond District. He met his wife Erin, who was a regular customer, at that very same store.
Chad spent the last 20 years working for UNFI (originally Mountain Peoples Warehouse). He held several roles there over the years – including most recently as a Category Manager &
Account Manager, as well as Merchandising Manager and Retail Services Specialist, which had him traveling all over the West and beyond to places like Alaska, Hawaii & New Orleans where
he consulted, directed resets and set up new stores with his merchandising team.
Chad currently lives on the California Central Coast, just outside of San Luis Obispo.
In his spare time Chad enjoys hiking, travel, vegetarian cooking, live music, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with family & friends, his wife Erin and their cat Neko.
Zoe Barnett
Key Account Manager
Territory: NorCal
Zoe Barnett joins the GRM Sales Team with 25+ years of sales experience working from
every side of the counter. After owning a large retail store in Chico Ca. for 12 years, Zoe began her journey in the natural product industry in leadership at Whole Foods. After being introduced to the grocery industry and getting hooked, Zoe worked as a National Account Director developing brands regionally and nationally working with distribution and broker
networks. For the last 6 years Zoe has been a broker in Northern California territory and has tremendous enthusiasm for working with emerging and established brands in this market.
With a degree in health education and a focus on clean, sustainable, and natural products, Zoe has partnered with many brands nationally for education and sales support. Zoe is supporting
Northern California key accounts throughout the greater bay area, including the north bay and some coastal areas where she has been brokering since 2018. Currently Zoe lives in the town of Sonoma and feels blessed and lucky to be in such a beautiful area. She is a proud mom of a beautiful 16 yr. old girl, a couple of fur monster kitties, a rescued pooch, and a lizard. Besides
being an avid antique hunter and major Trekkie, in her free time Zoe forages for edible wild mushrooms and herbs and absolutely loves to be in nature.
Maureen Eppler
Sales Support Specialist
Territory: SoPac
Maureen Eppler, originally from the island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i joins Grass Roots Marketing with over a decade of experience in the retail industry, primarily rooted in natural products. She held multiple positions at Whole Foods Market in the Whole Body department in La Jolla, California and maintains a passion for intuitive and science driven wellness. She has additionally worked in the herbal products industry for multiple years.
Maureen now calls the Pacific Northwest home, after growing up in Hawai’i, Alaska, and Guam and spending a decade in Southern California. She holds an AS in Nutrition and is currently pursuing her certification in Holistic Nutrition. As a self-taught herbalist and plant-based recipe developer, she maintains a blog, and writes for vegan and wellness publications in her spare time. One can usually find Maureen experimenting in the kitchen, chasing after her charming toddler in the garden, and spending time with her family.
Elena Cabral
Key Account Manager
Territory: SoPac
As a child I spent every summer in the small town of Cocula, Jalisco (De Cocula es el Mariachi) at my grandparent’s farm finding chickens, horseback riding, milking cows and goats, planting vegetables seeds, trail walks, hiking, camping in the pine tree lands, and swimming in the rivers. I thank my grandparents so much for having shown me the connections with nature.
I pursued the career in:
2 -years degree in Tourism on the UDG University of Guadalajara.
2- years degree on hair styling designer in Patrice School.
Later in life, I moved to Orange County where I discovered Mother’s Market.
I spent 20+ years working in the natural food industry, where I found passion in customer service, sales, and merchandise. I’m grateful for the long-standing relationships that I have built over the years working in the industry.
Working in this field has shown me that I love to meet and connect with new people and learn about cultural diversity.
Kristen Ferris
Key Account Manager
Territory: SoPac
Kristen Ferris is a marketing guru who pulls knowledge from her multitude of experiences working in retail, hospitality, tech industry, holistic medicine, customer service, scriptwriting and performing comedy.
Kristen grew up on a family farm in Oregon and became an entrepreneur at age 12, when she built a chicken coop and bought 1200 chickens with her allowance. Although, it didn’t make her rich like she thought it would, Kristen continues her love for family- owned businesses and all things sustainable.
Kristen enjoys sales and team collaboration because she loves to meet new people. Her drive for hard work and tangible results is fueled by her appreciation for the clients she works with.
She graduated from Portland State University and moved to the “big city” of Los Angeles, where she currently resides with her husband and pet parrot. On weekends, you can find Kristen in the tree canopy taking kids and kids-at-heart on guided tree climbs (using a rope and harness, of course), or at a live comedy show. Kristen believes you should never stop learning and always follow your curiosity.
Mariana Shirinian
Key Account Manager
Territory: SoPac
Mariana has over 10 years of marketing experience as a sales professional in the natural industry. This compliments her passion for promoting wellness, along with a love for nature and animals.
Mariana’s personal interests include cooking and baking vegan, gardening, and the outdoors in general. She also has a deep love for family and her buddy LB whom she adopted from the OC German Shepard Rescue.
Lupita Bautista
Key Account Manager
Territory: SoPac
Lupita is a driven and adventurous individual with a passion for outdoors and exploring new places. Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon she grew up running and hiking the beautiful trails of the Pacific Northwest. Her passion for customer service started at age 14 when she started working for her family’s Mexican restaurant. She was able to excel in both work and school simultaneously earning an Associate’s degree from Lane Community College.
Lupita continuously displays exceptional customer service skills and has provided great value in each of her previous roles. From being voted employee of the month by her customers at a local organic coffee shop to being praised by her grocery product accounts that she was providing demos for. It is clear that she has a customer first mentality. Now, she is excited to bring her knowledge of the industry and work ethic to the Grass Roots Marketing team.
In her free time, Lupita can be found with her Mini Australian Shepherd Mowgli. She also enjoys long walks on the beach, and paddle boarding.