ESSEX, MD - The new year brings new beginnings–and in this case it is a new role! Lisa Davis, previously Director of Business Development at Edge Sales & Marketing, has joined Tessemae’s as the company’s Vice President of Sales West.

Tessemae’s, creator of handcrafted, all natural dressings, marinades, spreads, and prepared foods, welcomed the highly accomplished leader to the team at the beginning of January as the company kicked off its annual Sales Summit Meetings.

Lisa took a few minutes out of her busy day to speak with me about the jump to Tessemae’s, and what she is looking forward to in 2017.

“For the past nine years, I have worked with a variation of brands and customers, but this brand came to me with the energy, innovation, and culture that I could not resist,” Lisa shared with me. “Tessemae’s brings to market, a product that is clean, organic, and fun to cook with! The move has been a win-win.”

Lisa possesses a strong background in fresh produce, allowing her to bring a wealth of knowledge in business development, category development, marketing strategies, trade marketing and management, and experience in the broker universe to her new role–all assets that make Lisa a critical key addition to the Tessemae’s sales team. 

During her time at Edge Sales & Marketing, Lisa helped grow the company’s client family and existing portfolios across all segments that she touched. 

“Lisa's incredible background and knowledge of the produce industry will play a key role in driving our brand and products into a leadership position across the West Coast. Our vision will come to reality under her direction and leadership,” said Ed Hager, Senior Vice President of Sales. 

Brian Vetter, COO, commented, “Lisa will be the company’s second hire out of the Salinas Valley. Her relationships, passion, and experience will truly give us a competitive edge.”

In Lisa’s new role as West Coast Vice President of Sales, she will cover The West Region by supporting and elevating existing relationships, building new partnerships, and growing the Tessemae’s brand. 

“This is a company that thrives on happiness while crushing it,” Lisa smiles. “The entire team is young and enthusiastic about putting clean food on every family’s dinner table. Making this move felt right, and I am excited to work hard and have fun while meeting new customers and focusing on one brand.”

Lisa reflected on her time in the industry so far, and noted that at the end of the day, as a broker you are exposed to a lot of brands and you learn the categories well in the produce department. Leaving the Edge Sales & Marketing family was a difficult decision for Lisa and she truly appreciates all she learned from Brad Raffanti, Liz Bunch, and the entire team at Edge.

Now she looks ahead to this new chapter, new year, and new adventure.

“When I received a call from Ed Hagar and Brian Vetter of Tessemae’s I could truly feel their energy through the phone,” she said. “I hung up and realized that they are a young company full of life, but most of all good people. Tessemae’s is only seven years old, but I am already ready to jump in and grow this in the west. My smile is still from ear-to-ear.”

Brian shared that the company was founded in 2009 by Greg, Brian, and Matt along with their mom, Tessemae. Greg took his Mom’s salad dressing, walked into Whole Foods with a Tupperware container–without even a name or bottle yet–figured out how to mass produce it, and got their start and the opening of the Annapolis Whole Foods.

“Tessemae's is the leader in fresh food innovation with dressings, condiments, and salads that are created following the company's mission of ‘Simplifying Food and Amplifying Life.’ The company was started with the famous five-ingredient Lemon Garlic dressing and has turned into a fresh food leader,” Brian said.

Congratulations, Lisa, on your new position with Tessemae’s and the exciting road ahead!

Tessemae's