Multi-Million Dollar Growth Under New V.P.

In the last 20 years, international sale totals have grown 14-fold, creating double-digit increases year after year—thanks in part to David J. Garretson, the newly appointed V.P. International Sales. Since 1990, Garretson has helped Gold Medal's global presence expand, including large, recent growth in Brazil, Russia, India, and China. These consistent, multi-million-dollar advances come from developments like the explosion of worldwide movie theatres and customers enjoying new concession concepts.

Garretson's first job was an international sales assistant, but he quickly rose up the ranks. He became a territory manager in 1993, and then manager of the international department in 2000. Garretson said his philosophy has always been “responsiveness, honesty, and relationship-building."

Dan Kroeger, President and CEO of Gold Medal, agreed. "When you see our international dealers approach David at a trade show, you see two things," he said. "The first thing is friendship, then a business relationship built on trust."

Garretson, who began his career with a degree in political science and law-oriented diplomacy in foreign affairs, knew he wanted an internationally focused career after a momentous trip in high school to see his brother. At the time, the older brother worked for Nestlé and lived in Switzerland.

Since then Garretson has been looking toward the future and knows he wants to assist Gold Medal in continuing to introduce the world to the tasty, traditional treats Americans have loved for generations.

"For me, it's always been more than just the sales. It's been about talking to people, getting to know them, and how we can help. People appreciate knowing they are going to get a detailed, thoughtful response just for them," Garretson said. “It’s about helping them grow and succeed by thoroughly explaining what the food concept is, and how it applies to what they are going to do."

Interesting Facts:

• Gold Medal began in 1931 in Cincinnati, OH. It now has 12 locations, including its 470,000-square-feet manufacturing headquarters in Cincinnati.
• The company is still a family-owned and family-operated concession equipment and supply manufacturer that now distributes worldwide to more than 185 countries.
• Popcorn and nachos have always been top-sellers, but other concession classics like hot dogs, caramel corn, and other candy-flavored popcorns are quickly becoming top treats around the globe.
• Garretson's first Gold Medal trip was to the UK in 1992. Since then, he has flown more than 1,300,000 miles presenting Gold Medal to the world.