Our Management Team
Every member of our management team is a thought out leader who has made significant contributions to our Key Sales team.
Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Gerry Bowman-President
Gerry is the majority stockholder and decision maker for Key Sales. With 24 years in the brokerage business, Gerry has built vital relationships within the Vendor community and with retailers throughout the Midwest. Our extraordinary team at Key Sales is due to Gerry’s vision and execution to create an excellent working environment.
Tyler Porter-EVP
With 20 years of Retail Meat/Bakery/Deli sales experience, Tyler is a minority stockholder at Key Sales and is responsible for the operations of our company including managing the sales staff. With the majority of his selling experience being Retail Meat, Tyler is also the first point of contact with all Retail Meat manufacturers.
Keith Gehrke-VP of Retail
Keith is the longest tenured employee with Key Sales and is a minority stockholder. He is responsible for the growth and training of our sales team, implementing sales tactics throughout our company, and ensuring that our policies and procedures are consistent and effective in all our markets. Keith has over 34 years brokerage business experience in Chicago making him our expert for this important market.
With over 29 years in retail selling experience, Renee is responsible for all aspects of marketing, most importantly, ensuring that our sales teams have all the tools for a consistent selling experience throughout our divisions. With most of her selling experience being in Bakery/Deli, Renee is the first point of contact with all Bakery/Deli manufacturers. In addition, Renee is our Marketing analyst, creating a constant array of reporting for our selling needs.
Kris Wilmesher-Corporate Account Manager
Kris has an extensive background in Wholesale distribution and sales. For 30 years she worked for Associated Wholesales Grocers in various roles including Center Store Senior buyer, Meat department buyer, and then rounded out her tenure as the Director of Bakery Deli. Prior to AWG she worked for RJ Reynolds/Nabisco. She has been with Key Sales for 2 years.
Joyce Miller- VP Division Manager, Kansas City, KS
For the past 14 years, Joyce has been with Key Sales, Inc as the Division Manager for the Kansas Division, calling on AWG Kansas City and their retailers. Prior to Key Sales, Joyce has an additional 6 years of broker selling experience in Kansas City. Because of her many years of selling in the area, Joyce has grown long-term relationships with retailers and brings a vast knowledge of the marketplace and product knowledge.
Elyce Reaves- Division Manager, Oklahoma City, OK
Elyce has been with Key Sales, Inc since 2021 and came to us with a background in both restaurant management and food sales. Her 14 years of combined experience make her a well-rounded leader for the Oklahoma division.
Serena Rowe, Division Manager, Springfield, MO
Serena has been with Key Sales, Inc. for the past 18 years; the last 11 years as Division Manager calling on AWG Springfield Division. Prior to Key Sales, Serena has over 10 years of experience working in retail as a Bakery/Deli Manager for a predominant retailer in the Springfield area.
Shawn Crossley, Division Manager, Norfolk, NE
With over 17 years being in the brokerage business, Shawn has been at Key Sales, Inc as the Division Manager of our Nebraska Division, working with AWG Norfolk and their independent retailers for the past three years. Before being in the brokerage business, Shawn had spent six years in the Bakery/Deli retail management.
Robert Evans, Division Manager, Southaven, MS
As the Division Manager for our Midsouth Division, Robert is responsible for Retail Meat sales, calling on AWG’s Memphis, Nashville, and Gulf Coast divisions. With over 40 years of experience, Robert’s relationships, and vast knowledge of the overall business in these territories is second to none.
Jason Birkhoff, Division Manager, Pearl River, LA
Jason has been with Key Sales, Inc. for the past two years, recently being promoted to Division Manager, calling on AWG Pearl River Division and its retailers. Prior to Key Sales, Jason has over 14 years of experience as a food service broker sales representative. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge in selling all categories of food as well as a full understanding of the Gulf Coast market and its unique culture in food.
Brian Young,
Division Manager, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, Il, & Kenosha, WI.
Brian has worked for Key Sales for 12 years now and came to us with a well-rounded retail background. He spent 20 years in the St. Louis area as a Meat manager, Store director, and District manager before coming to Key Sales . Brian is responsible for accounts in our Gateway and Midwest divisions.
Bill Dixon, Division Manager, Nashville, TN
With over 32 years in the CPG business Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He started in 1990 as a sales representative with General foods and spent 23 years total with General Foods/Kraft before getting into the brokerage business in 2013. Having spent all 32 years in the same general market has allowed him to build some long-standing relationships with key retailers. Bill has been with Key Sales, Inc for 8 years.