August 1, 2023
C+A Global continues investing in the cycling brand and enlists industry veterans to strengthen existing IBD accounts and forge new channel partnerships
MADISON, Wis. (August 1, 2023) – Saris, manufacturer of world-class bike racks, trainers, storage and infrastructure, today announced the appointment of several new – and returning – employees to the company's internal sales team. Tasked with supporting the critical network of independent bike dealers (IBD) across the country, Saris in partnership with C+A Global, has established a talented group of industry veterans and sales experts.
Joining Saris earlier this spring, Stefan Guelpen, Head of Global Sales, brings expertise on sales organization and coaching with a background in consumer electronics, including iconic household brands like Nokia and Panasonic. Lauren Hannes, an 11-year Saris veteran, joins the team as Channel Marketing & Dealer Recruitment, focusing on recruiting new IBDs and overseeing communications with the brand's channel partners.
Under Guelpen's leadership, Saris' three experienced and knowledgeable regional directors will provide dealers best-in-class customer service across defined regions: Central, West and East.
Eddie Santiago, a longtime Saris employee who recently returned to the company, will oversee the IBD accounts in the Central (ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, WI, IA, IL, MO, OK, AR, TX, LA, MI, IN, OH, KY, WY,UT,CO,ON) region. Brandon Petersen, who brings extensive retail sales experience from his time at REI and more recently Highway Two, will be charged with accounts in the West (WA, MT, OR, ID, CA, NV, AZ, NM, AK, BC, AB, SK, MB,YT, NT, NU) while Sidney Nazario will be responsible for partners in the East (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, VA, WV, NC, TN, SC, GA, MI, AL, FL, NB, NS, PE, QC, NL) region where he will call on his sales management time at the Cycling Sports Group.
Rounding out the team is another Saris veteran, Jon Lewis, who will bring 15 years of experience to his new role as Senior Director of Sales, focusing exclusively on the company's distribution partners and national accounts.
This power team of industry professionals and experts will assume responsibility for the independent bicycle dealer retailer network, providing the tools and knowledge to best support their business so they can focus on driving the bottom line. Those interested in learning more can contact Stefan Guelpen at sguelpen@saris.com.
About Saris
Born in the USA, Saris brings a strong passion and deep understanding of the cycling culture to dream, design, and build a full line of bike racks, trainers and infrastructure for the car, home, and community. Saris develops products that stand for innovation and quality and is committed to providing exceptional customer service and support. From personal storage, transport, and training, to complete public systems and infrastructure, Saris' revolutionary designs are conceptualized and built by cyclists, for cyclists. Saris strives to make cycling accessible for everyone – from solo and family riders to extreme enthusiasts, to entire communities, cities, and towns. In addition to industry-leading products and a highly skilled team, Saris supports grassroots advocacy groups that make biking safer, easier, and available to all.
Saris' parent company, C+A Global, drives the innovation and growth of some of the world's biggest and most beloved consumer products. C+A Global regularly seeks out new trends and opportunities to innovate – acquiring products and brands consumers love and taking them to new levels of sales and success. For additional information on Saris products, visit Saris.com, follow @sarisofficial on Twitter, like @sarisofficial on Facebook, and follow @sarisofficial on Instagram.
