Get to Know Hormel Ingredient Solutions
About Hormel Ingredient Solutions
The unified team of experts from Hormel Ingredient Solutions brings decades of knowledge in the food industry and a shared passion for serving customers through high-quality ingredients, industry-leading expertise, and collaborative partnerships.
Bringing a name like Hormel to the ingredient solutions table is bound to spark conversation around fully cooked meats, nuts, and nut butters. And we don’t mind, really. We’re proud of our heritage. But we’re also hungry to show that we’re more than a standardized list of products. The true “meat” of our business is insightful collaboration.
When food manufacturers call on us with real protein needs — and even more real constraints — we answer as an active protein-solutions partner. Rising to their formulation challenge. Guiding their steps and their specs. Drawing on our expertise and scale to shape the right protein solution to keep production moving.
Meet the Dedicated Hormel Ingredient Solutions Sales Team
Kelly Babb Sales Manager
Kelly Babb brings more than 25 years of foodservice experience to Hormel Ingredient Solutions, with a proven track record of supporting customers across the Midwest and Southeast. With a deep understanding of regional markets and evolving customer needs, Kelly is dedicated to delivering solutions that help partners succeed.
Kelly’s commitment to quality and collaboration aligns with the Hormel Ingredient Solutions approach—providing high-quality protein ingredients, industry-leading expertise, and tailored support to bring ideas to life and drive success.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
Peanut Butter
Kelly BabbSales Manager
Jennifer Downs Sales Manager
From food quality and safety to product development and innovation, Jennifer’s extensive knowledge of the food industry has made her an asset to our customers for over 25 years. Her dedication to providing expert advice and forming lasting relationships.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
All-Natural* Cooked Spicy Breakfast Sausage w/Crushed Red Pepper & Sage
Jennifer DownsSales Manager
Julie Hartsel Sales Manager
With over 12 years at Hormel Foods, Julie brings a strong foundation of industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence. Her 10 years of experience in Quality Control have given her a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of product standards and safety. Julie is known for her dedication to supporting customers with reliable insights and solutions. Her expertise helps ensure consistent quality and builds confidence across every partnership.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
Bacon Pieces
Julie HartselSales Manager
Jack Shao Sales Manager
Jack has more than 27 years of experience at Hormel Foods. Throughout his tenure, he is passionate about finding winning solutions for his business partners. Jack works to understand the customers and consumers’ needs to provide thoughtful ingredient solutions.
Jack has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business Management from Goldey-Beacom College and a Master of Business Administration from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He is eager to leverage his background to be your preferred business partner.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
Peanut Butter
Jack ShaoSales Manager
Nicole Shute National Sales Manager
With her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University, Nicole has been working in the ingredient industry for over 20 years and with Hormel Ingredient Solutions for over 15 years. She’s passionate about helping customers find the right options for them and has fun exploring new opportunities to create new formulations.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
Mexican-Style Beef Crumbles, Mild
Nicole ShuteNational Sales Manager
Amy Thielking Senior Sales Manager
Amy Thielking was born and raised in Iowa, where she continues to live with her family. A graduate of Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa State University, Amy proudly supports the Iowa Hawkeyes, despite her Cyclone alma mater.
Amy began her career in 2001 as a marketing intern at Burke Corporation in Nevada, Iowa. She has held various marketing roles, and in 2021, she transitioned to her current position as senior sales manager with Hormel Ingredient Solutions. This role allows her to blend her marketing expertise with her relationship-driven approach to deliver innovative solutions for food and pet-food manufacturers.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
HAND-PINCHED STYLE® Italian Sausage, Sweet Mild, Coarse-Ground
Amy ThielkingSenior Sales Manager
Sarah Eastling Director of Industrial Sales
With over 20 years of experience at Hormel Foods, Sarah brings deep industry knowledge and insight that make her a trusted resource for customers. She is known for her dedication to providing expert guidance and building strong, lasting relationships. Her background includes extensive experience in foodservice, complementing her role on the industrial side. This expertise allows her to deliver practical, customer-focused solutions across the industry.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
Bacon Pieces
Sarah EastlingDirector of Industrial Sales
Paul Sheehan Vice President Industrial Sales
A 25+-year veteran of the industry, Paul has a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin - Stout. This background has been integral when it comes to customer service and understanding how important it is to anticipate needs. Paul works to understand customers and the end consumer in order to provide thoughtful ingredient solutions.
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
HAND-PINCHED STYLE® Italian Sausage, Sweet Mild
Paul SheehanVice President Industrial Sales
Partner with our Ingredient Experts
The solutions-driven team at Hormel Ingredient Solutions is ready to help answer questions and find the best solution for you. When you work with our team, you get access to our comprehensive network of resources, ensuring that your problem is solved efficiently and effectively.