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
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
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
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
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
Paul SheehanSales Director
Erin LehnertSales Manager
Julie HartselSales Manager
Sarah Eastling Director of Industrial Sales - East
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
Bacon Pieces
Sarah EastlingDirector of Industrial Sales - East
Amy Thielking Senior Sales Manager
Favorite Hormel Ingredient Solutions Product:
Bacon Pieces
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.