Get to Know Hormel Ingredient Solutions

About Our Team

The unified team of experts from Hormel Ingredients and Burke Corporation brings decades of knowledge in the food industry and shared passion for serving customers through high-quality ingredients, industry-leading expertise, and collaborative partnerships.

Consumers are more interested now than ever before in a multi-sensory food experience. Our solutions-driven team is committed to meeting these needs with extensive resources, professional expertise, and superior products.

Meet the Dedicated Hormel Ingredient Solutions Sales Team

Kyle Behrens Sales Manager

By getting to know customers and their companies on multiple levels, Kyle prides himself on forming lasting connections. Kyle came to Hormel Ingredient Solutions shortly after graduating from Iowa State University with his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business. His goal each day is to be his customers’ go-to partner to bring their idea to life.

Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:

Peanut Butter

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Kyle BehrensSales 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 18 years. Her dedication to providing expert advice and forming lasting relationships. With a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University, she understands the importance of the marriage of quality and budget.

Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:

Bacon Bits

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Jennifer DownsSales 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:

Chicken Stock - No Antibiotics Ever

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Nicole ShuteNational Sales Manager

Jennifer Purkapile Inside Sales Coordinator

Building strong relationships with customers helps Jennifer understand their goals and who their end consumers will be. She places an emphasis on being authentic with her customers so she can best show them exactly what our ingredients can help them accomplish.

Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:

Turkey Stock

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Jennifer PurkapileInside Sales Coordinator

Paul Sheehan Sales Director

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

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Paul SheehanSales Director

Erin Lehnert Sales Manager

Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:

Bacon Pieces

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Erin LehnertSales Manager

Julie Hartsel Sales Manager

Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:

Bacon Pieces

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Julie HartselSales Manager

Sarah Eastling Director of Industrial Sales - East

Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:

Bacon Pieces

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Sarah EastlingDirector of Industrial Sales - East

Amy Thielking Senior Sales Manager

Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:

Bacon Pieces

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Amy ThielkingSenior Sales Manager

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.